I had a feeling that David was not the sort of man who would continue playing while not being able to offer his best form in return. He has always struck me as an honorable man and this is further confirmation of that assessment.
The frustration is that I always enjoyed watching him. So many times in Derbyshire colours he has looked a million dollars, timing the ball beautifully and seeing it race away to the boundary. Conversely, he found any number of ways to be dismissed and his average has declined to what he probably felt was an unacceptable level.
His battle with mental health is well documented and stepping away from the first class game is the best way to start a full recovery. Nothing matters as much as your own health and well-being and David will have the support of a close family unit to get him back on an even keel.
There will be plenty of opportunities for an intelligent, articulate man outside of the game and, like all of you, I wish him the very best in his endeavours, while thanking him for his efforts for the county.
David, if you're reading this 'thankyou' for your career under some really challenging personal circumstances. Rest and recover now and take time to do so.
ReplyDeleteSome of us really understand it. Been there and there is a new life waiting
Andy
Nicely put, Andy. DM.
DeleteWishing you all the best David in whatever you do next 👍
ReplyDeleteAll the very best for the future, David. Watching you bat has always been enjoyable. Denis
ReplyDeleteAll the very best, David. You have much to look forward to now you have made the decision to retire. I always enjoyed watching you bat and will have good memories of some of your best knocks. Denis
ReplyDeleteA real shame that things did not work out. Hopefully he has a happy & successful next stage in his life.
ReplyDeleteSteve what are your thoughts on our membership pricing for 2026. Membership is £239 compared to champion elect Notts at £209. I know there is a discount for existing members, but that doesn’t help potential new members. I’ve been a member for 9 years & the value for money appears to have diminished in that time.
MarkB
I get the frustration when there might be less cricket, but it is very good value compared to football. Notts also have ready sources of income with the 100 and I am sure Jason could give a little more context on the price.
DeleteIf you can attend regularly it remains very good value!
Hi Steve/Mark the price freeze decision was made with all things taken into account around the schedule discussions taking place. It is always difficult to align ourselves with Notts as a big test ground does not need the revenue from memberships as much as a club like ours does. They can afford to price lower and hope to sell a test ticket to those members which increases the revenue they get from those members.When you look at the price of ours at around £239 with discounts look at the overall package you are getting. It is still a fantastic value for money product ( what was it 10 years ago ? Not a lot less ) and as I always say being a member of a county cricket club is not always about the cost divided by the days cricket you get unlike a football season ticket. Reciprocal days at other counties, guest passes for friends discounts on food and the shop and the all important voting rights plus many other things. Derbyshire members have already had at least 4 opportunities to discuss the schedule debate with the Chair and CEO and these things are all part of being a member. Everyone has different priorities and things that interest them more but I still believe a county cricket membership is still fantastic value…sales pitch over ! 👍
DeleteJason
Thanks for the response Jason, it is always good when the county engage with folks.
DeleteSteve is correct in that membership is good value against football. Cricket is not my first interest, the amount of cricket I attend makes membership only slightly cheaper than paying as you go & for 2026 we lose 1 T20 game & possibly a championship game. I accept your point about the non financial benefits of membership.
MarkB
Thanks Jason!
DeleteWe've signed others at similar career stages who I've felt went 'through the motions' whilst clinging to a professional career. Not with him, he gave his all and it just didn't quite work out. Hope he finds happiness and success in his next chapter.
ReplyDeleteAll the best to David Lloyd, over 1000 all format runs last season. As as a side note, rumours of a 2 year deal for Mohammed Abbas next season. He'll be 36 come April, but is still a fine bowler. Kris
ReplyDeletePlenty of rumours at this time of year, Kris. He is one of two or three names I have heard in despatches. Suspect several counties would be interested IF he isn't going back to Notts or Hants..
DeleteAs you say, still a very fine bowler and whoever gets him will reap the rewards. With such quality in short supply, there will be plenty of offers for him..
Yes, all the best to David in his future career.
ReplyDeleteDownthewicket
Best wishes to David on his retirement. Although this season must have been disappointing for him, he still achieved heights most of us can only dream about. He definitely gave his all for the shirt. My mind goes back to the Middlesex game in April when he was caught at long leg for 93, and it took forever to drag himself off. Maybe a century then would have been a game changer.
ReplyDeleteThank you David, and all the very best for the future.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to David and every success and happiness in the future.
ReplyDeleteAll the best David. The 93 he scored earlier this season was a quality innings and I was gutted when he got out before getting to three figures. On another note though, as a Wednesdayite I did notice Josh Windass scored two for Wrexham today as they beat Norwich, and I hope that’s given David something to cheer about.
ReplyDeleteAndy T Cleckheaton