The change that makes the most sense from a Derbyshire perspective has been quickly announced, as I fully expected.
Wayne Madsen has once again been appointed red ball captain, a post he held for four summers until 2015. He was the last Derbyshire skipper to hold aloft a trophy, when we won division two in that memorable summer of 2012.
Since then, a number of Derbyshire skippers have sought his counsel and he has been involved in most on field decisions. At 41 he is in his twilight years as a player, yet there were no signs last year of any dimming of the light. He is still the first name on most team sheets and this can only be a positive move for Derbyshire.
I also think it gives David Lloyd an opportunity to show our supporters what he can do. I understand his preference is to bat in the middle order and he should now have that chance, with the arrival of Caleb Jewell, who will partner either Harry Came or Luis Reece.
I will not make any bold predictions, nor expect Wayne to channel his inner Eddie Barlow and galvanise his side as the latter once did so well. He is a different beast, but will command respect and will undoubtedly have the backing of everyone in and around the club. He exudes calmness and knows the game inside out.
This is definitely the right appointment for Derbyshire. It might just be for a year, with the captaincy carrot dangled in front of someone elsewhere for 2026, or it might just extend the career of one of the few men for whom 'legend' is an an entirely appropriate epithet.
Congratulations skipper!
Postscript: with Wayne 41 and Samit Patel 40, I doubt any county has ever had both format skippers over the age of 40...unless anyone can say different?
At long last, a management decision that makes sense!
ReplyDeleteI think this is good news. Madsen's done the job before, so he knows what to expect in terms of pressure. He will also be hoping to end his playing career with his hands around a trophy.
ReplyDeleteNow that David Lloyd has relinquished the role, we should see him playing with more freedom and, hopefully, racking up the runs.
I feel that Wayne still has plenty to give. I don't see any decline in performance, or hunger. I think everyone will be feeling a little bit optimistic, after this decision. Kris
ReplyDeleteI was devastated after the Arthur news, but this restores some faith.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the role, legend.
Chris
I was always impressed with Wayne as a captain. He was constantly encouraging his players and changing the bowling when the situation demanded. We could not have made a better choice and, as has been said already , this partially mitigates lumbering us with MA again.
ReplyDeleteIf Wayne wanted it, then he was always the obvious choice. With us being so reliant on his runs, I just hope we're not heaping too much responsibility on his shoulders. We know he's a legend, but asking him to be a messiah?!
ReplyDeleteExcellent news. We all hope for silverware, however optimistic that may be, but Wayne deserves it more than anybody. His loyalty to DCCC is way above and beyond. Best of lucK, skipper!
ReplyDeleteAnd, once again, the legend rides to DCCCs rescue.
ReplyDeleteI so hope we do better than in recent years, but we would be in an even worse state without his performances over the years. Enjoy him while we can.
Good luck Wayne!
Andy
Yes Maddo is an absolute legend, and I know he is the supreme athlete, however the one concern for me, is the older he gets the more likely injuries come into effect and they take longer to heal.
ReplyDeleteI wish he could go on forever, but we really should be thinking of the post Madsen era by now.