Update

Reports online suggest that no decision will be made on the future of Mickey Arthur as Sri Lanka coach until after the end of their Test series against West Indies on December 3.

A faction of their powers that be seem to prefer a Sri Lankan coach, with Roshan Mahanama mentioned in despatches, a man somewhat bizarrely with no coaching experience. 

Arthur will take the West Indies series but what then? That is another three weeks of waiting with, it appears, no guarantee that he would be available at the end of it. 

Those of you attending the Member forum this week (Thursday) may want to ask these questions:

Can we afford to wait until the new year for a new HOC? 

Have we put a deadline in place for an answer? 

What about plan B? Specifically, if in the intervening period, plan B accepts another role? 

What about outstanding contracts, like Anuj Dal? 

Recruitment? Because we need players.. 

Looks like this one will run and run... 

Weekly roundup

My plaster comes off on Monday, I am pleased to say. A splint comes next and in a couple of weeks, physiotherapy, Not been the easiest of times, but getting there, after three weeks.

Which is more than can be said for our Head of Cricket search, which is akin to waiting for Godot. That didn't end in the expected fashion, either.

Someone asked me in the week why I was so concerned over the timescale, and the answer was quick and simple. Because I care and have concerns over our future. 

We are short of players and if we get this appointment wrong may have a second successive summer like the one just ended. Imagine that summer with Hudson-Prentice, Critchley, Hosein and Reece missing and welcome 2022.

We can ill-afford another bad year, but the new HOC, whoever he is, will have a free hit this year. I would still be surprised if it was Mickey Arthur, and for my main concern takes you forward 10-12 months.

This time next year, Wayne Madsen, Billy Godleman and Leus du Plooy are all out of contract. I would like to think that their deals would be sorted in good time, but if we appoint someone who sees us only as a fall back position and is off to pastures new in that timescale, we have major issues. 

Thankfully there are still players out there who are available, but I would be surprised if Ed Moulton returned to the Incora County Ground. He was released by Lancashire this week, but I didn't see enough in him during his loan spell to suggest a longer-term deal.

He is a tidy bowler, but the stock ball appeared to be the in swinger. He seemed some way back behind Messrs Aitchison, Conners and Cohen, while Nick Potts and Dusty Melton will be pushing for game time too.

Maybe this week will bring some news... 

Time waits for no one.. but Derbyshire do.

This might be a contender for one of my shortest blogs, but I have an observation on the delay in appointing to the Head of Cricket role.

They are obviously waiting to see if Mickey Arthur is going to take the job, or if he is going to stay on in his post in Sri Lanka. Or maybe, for all we know, talking to Middlesex about their vacancy. 

Why are we doing this? Why should we be someone's plan B, or fallback position? Were it anything to do with me, there would have been a deadline for the role to be accepted, after which it is offered to the very good (in my opinion better) alternative.

We are looking a bit silly. That could get worse still, if and when we have to readvertise.

We will, if they aren't careful. 

Nuj, George and an overseas source..

Amid the puzzles of our current situation, the status of Anuj Dal and George Scrimshaw are fairly well up there.

After struggling for a fair part of his time with us, things finally clicked for 'Nuj' as the season came to a conclusion. The runs flowed, wickets came, the fielding was as good as ever. The club's PCA representative looked good value for a new contract, perhaps an all round  replacement for the now-departed Matt Critchley, albeit in a different style.

Yet the contract offer didn't come, pre - Houghton departure. I can only assume that the player and club are apart in their valuations for his services, because he had a greater claim to one than others who have been signed, sealed and delivered.

Thus he remains one of a number of county circuit  players out of contract. I would hope he wants to sign and we are now awaiting the new HOC to ratify things, but it is an additional uncertainty at a time when we don't need to look too far to find them.

So too George Scrimshaw, who I understood was talking to other counties after rejecting a deal with us. It is his prerogative, of course, but there was supposedly a multi-year deal on the table, fair for someone with his previous injury record. Will the new HOC ratify that, or has that now been withdrawn?

Anyway, the wait goes on and one assumes that contracts will eventually (shortly?) be flying in and out of the club faster than a Shaheen Afridi thunderbolt.

Quite apposite, as I expect counties to be looking to Pakistan this winter  after their stellar World Cup. 

There was a time, as I grew up, that the likes of Zaheer Abbas, Mushtaq and Sadiq Mohammed, Majid Khan, Imran Khan and Asif Iqbal graced the county game. Later came Mushtaq Ahmed, Saqlain Mushtaq and Danish Kaneria.

Then it all stopped, bar for the occasional T20 signing. Was it the match-fixing scandal involving the latter, or rumoured contract problems with some players represented by several agents, all wanting their cut? Perhaps a combination of the two, with post - Covid travel also an issue.

I expect that to change. They have looked a superb side in the World Cup, with powerful batsmen, canny spinners and lightning quick bowlers. With a population of over 200 million and cricket THE sport, there are a lot of fine players on the periphery, some of who would qualify to play over here. Nor are they awash with  tours this summer, an added appeal. 

Were I on the marketing side of a first class county, I would be looking to cash in on their huge interest in the game and bring over one or two of those stars to engage the local population whose roots lie in that country. We tried it before with the signings of Indian players, before the IPL put an end to that malarkey. It could well boost crowds and memberships to go down such a route, as besides anything else they are very good cricketers.

It must also be said, as an observation only, that should Anuj Dal leave for pastures new we have no players of BAME background on our staff.

I am not for a minute suggesting that we have been doing anything untoward in recruitment. With an Equalities Officer on the board, that is unlikely. Merely that, with all that is going on with our northern neighbours at present, it is not a good look. 

Hopefully the fine talent emerging from our Academy will help to naturally address this imbalance in time, as the role of bowling coach Ajmal Shahzad does, of course. 

But it is increasingly important that the county side reflects the demographic make up of the community that it represents, as long as recruitment and selection is on merit, not mere tokenism. 

Unease at Arthur appointment

Thank you to Gareth for alerting me to a piece on the Island Cricket Twitter feed today, which said that Mickey Arthur will take charge of the Sri Lankan squad for the two-Test series against West Indies, starting on November 21. The following is taken from the article:

Arthur’s two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) ends in the first week of December, but SLC sources said that he and several other members of the support staff whose contracts also end during the same period have been asked to continue till the end of the West Indies Test series. The Test series ends on 3 December.

“We are in the process of evaluating their performances and that would be discussed further with the Technical Advisory Committee before we take a call on it,” stated an SLC source. “We have informed the support staff to continue until the end of the West Indies Test series.”

With regard to the approach made by Derbyshire, SLC sources said that they have only seen media reports about it, but have not heard anything from Arthur.

My concern is that we are prepared to wait until early December and then find out that not only is Arthur's contract extended by Sri Lanka, but option two, a very good coach who will be in demand, also has another role by that stage. Derbyshire are then back to square one and looking for a new coach with only two or three months to the season and large gaps in the squad to fill.

That Sri Lanka seem to know little about our 'approach' is a concern. That there was a two - stage interview that he had to apply for - therefore we never made one - is even more so.

It just seems a bit of a mess, potentially a protracted mess. Even worse, a protracted mess that may end up with the club in yet another pickle and with neither of their preferred candidates available..

If Arthur wants the Derbyshire job, let him take it, now the World Cup is over, or at least confirm he is going to do so.

If not, let's get the alternative in, the players introduced, new ones brought in and the next phase of our history underway.

The club and its supporters deserve that. 

Cat out of bag as name revealed

The Daily Mail has today revealed what I heard a week or two back, that Mickey Arthur has been 'targeted' by Derbyshire for their Head of Cricket role.

Given there has been an interview process for which he had to apply, I am not sure the word is correct. Nor am I sure that this will come to fruition, now it is in the public domain. 

Yet no one can be disappointed by the news, nor will they be with the option, if this results in a new contract for Arthur in Sri Lanka. 

With Middlesex also seeking a replacement for Stuart Law, I will reserve my excitement for down the line, as and when this gets across it.

Sources tell me this should be by the weekend, or we will know it is time for plan B by that stage. 

Just be assured that there is a very good alternative in the wings and that, either way, our club will be in good hands next summer. 

Big task ahead for Head of Cricket

I suspect that it may be at least the end of next week before Derbyshire announce their new Head of Cricket, possibly even longer.

The reason for the delay will become obvious in time, but the successful candidate will need to hit the ground running, whenever he is free to start. 

Derbyshire's staff list on the website only features 17 names. Given that one of these is George Scrimshaw, who has taken on a Lord Lucan quality since the end of the Vitality Blast, we can say it is sixteen. My understanding is that a contract was offered, but declined, as a better one was out there. I am surprised that he hasn't yet signed this, but don't expect him at Derby this winter.

Of the remaining sixteen, Luis Reece may not be fit for the start of the summer, while Nick Potts has barely played. So it is evident that new players are needed.

I still think it ridiculous that Dave Houghton was allowed to recruit - on two year deals in some cases - before he left, but the counter balance to that is had he not, we wouldn't have a side, let alone a squad. The new HOC may come in and be unimpressed, but that is but the first challenge awaiting.

How does he replace our leading run-scorer, Matt Critchley, who was also our lead spinner? I am not convinced yet that Alex Thomson or Mattie McKiernan can take on that latter role, but unless we bring in an overseas spinner, I don't see any better around the circuit.

I do think Tom Wood might be a good replacement at five, but so too would Leus du Plooy, more likely productive there than at three. But who bats three? Wayne Madsen prefers four, so perhaps our four-day overseas picks are a spinner and a number three bat, to rotate with Dustin Melton.

Much will depend on who we can pick up around the circuit, but the 'name' out of contract players have been snapped up. We also need a wicket - keeper, to replace Harvey Hosein, ideally one who can wield the willow. Not to mention at least one more seamer, or seam bowling all rounder, to replace Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Paul Walter at Essex may be a good option, as noted by Essex fan on a previous post, a left-handed all rounder of some talent. His limited chances haven't been improved by Matt Critchley going there, but others will be interested and they have people in post to make decisions.

Overseas players were a disaster last year. It is refreshing to see Leicestershire using analytics to bring in two Afghan players for the T20, based on their statistics and who they were made against. I would love to see us do similar. 

Last year, Stanlake was an accident waiting to happen, while the figures of McDermott tend to show him as a flat track bully, a strong bottom hand and tendency to play away from his body causing bother whenever the ball moves. Van Beek fielded brilliantly, but a tendency to bowl one or two bad balls an over cost him. Rampaul was sadly past it, while Melton was too often injured and will hope to do better and have better fortune this year.

Things to sort, then. Even before realisation dawns that Madsen, Godleman and du Plooy are in the final years of their deals... 

Yet if the new man comes in (and those in the frame are names) with a passion for excellence that lures players in to work with him, and an ability to coax the best from a small squad not without talent, we may see an improved 2022.

But there is much to do 

Critchley leaves for Essex

There has always been, at least for your correspondent, a strong likelihood of Matt Critchley leaving this winter.

He is an intelligent, talented and ambitious lad, who should have gone on the Lions tour this winter. That he did not, after the summer he had, was a disgrace. 

In moving to Essex he follows a path trodden previously by Geoff Miller, and will be closer to where the media are to push his England claims. How much bowling he gets is a moot point, with Harmer and Lawrence already bowling spin there, but he will be playing division one cricket, which is the major factor in his move. 

I am just glad he is not moving down the road to you-know-where, or to Glamorgan, which made no sense from anything but a financial perspective. There will have been other interest, but I suspect he has chosen well.

I wish him all the best. I shall miss his languid class with the bat and his coltish enthusiasm in the field. Most of all that developing leg spin, which helped him give us a genuine and rare three in one player. Not to mention his cheery smile and warm welcome on the occasions we met.

It leaves the new Head of Cricket with a big gap to fill. We have lost our top scoring batsman and lead spinner, not easy boots to step into. They may look overseas to do so, with spin looking comfortably our weaker suit. Can Alex Thomson or Mattie McKiernan step up? Is there someone out there who can deliver those dual roles? Essex have had to pay a fee to release him from his contract, so there is at least money there. 

Anyway, thanks for the memories, Critch.

It was always a pleasure and I wish you well. 

Scottish success offers Derbyshire interest

I have taken a great deal of pride in watching the Scottish cricket team at this World Cup. If you like cricket and live in the country, you have to. 

I know one or two of the squad - indeed Calum MacLeod played hockey for the same club as me - but the Derbyshire connection is strong and may yet get stronger.

Their success as a cricket nation started with the appointment of Grant Bradburn, and Shane Burger has taken things on well. Bradburn gave them a strong team ethic, a never say die attitude and an understanding that all eleven need to be at the top of their game to compete. 

Safyaan Sharif, Ali Evans, Calum MacLeod and Mark Watt all played for Derbyshire, albeit with varying degrees of success. Watt was dispensed with too soon, but seems to have worked hard on his weight, which was likely an issue. That he is a canny spinner is beyond doubt and he is a thinker. Balls from 23/24 yards, from two or three paces, from wider on the crease.. I like his combative edge and if Derbyshire were to lose Matt Critchley this winter  (I remain convinced we will) then he would be a decent pick for T20.

Wicket keeper Matthew Cross might be a decent option too. I liked the way he handled the chase yesterday, assaying nothing stupid, just knocking it around, which is all that was required. His glove work is undemonstrative and he strikes me as a thinker. He had some time at Essex and Nottinghamshire, but may well be a classic late developer. 

With Brooke Guest the only wicket keeper on our staff, the new HOC will look for someone to push him, I suspect. 

Meanwhile counties will doubtless look at Richie Berrington and George Munsey and fancy them in their T20 sides. Both are good batsmen, fine fielders, solid assets. I am not necessarily advocating our need for them - we don't lack explosive batsmen - but the departure of Critchley would leave a gap in the order.

It will be worth watching them as the tournament progresses, but so too leg-spinning all rounder Chris Greaves and off spin counterpart Michael Leask. As players for an associate status cricket nation with British passports, they may well find their talents in demand as summer approaches.

I look forward to seeing how they handle the top level teams they will now face, just as I eagerly await news of our new Head of Cricket. 

Anyway, unless that news breaks in the next few days, I will be quiet for that period. Into hospital at 11am, surgery on my hand at noon and back, with a cast, in the late afternoon. 

I will see you on the other side, when I will get to grips with the voice recognition software again.

Later...

Hosein retires from cricket

Sad news from Derbyshire this morning, with the announcement of the enforced retirement of Harvey Hosein.

Four recent concussions have seen the only logical consequence for the wicket-keeper/batsman. There are far more important things in life than cricket and Harvey will doubtless get support from the club and the Professional Cricketers Association as he forges a new career.

It is a desperate shame for the player and also for the club. He has always been an organised, technically correct batsman, one capable of accumulating steadily, if not usually quickly. Last season he started the year in fine form, his technique solid and his bat seemingly impenetrable. Sadly, the blows on the head that he received have had major consequences and his career has ended prematurely.

As a wicket keeper he was solid, occasionally spectacular. His record haul on debut at The Oval, when he looked slight enough to be collecting autographs, rather than catches, perhaps hindered him subsequently, as high expectations were set for a lad who had been promoted ahead of his time.

Like Tom Poynton before him, he has the time and opportunity to make a new career and, as a bright lad, he will undoubtedly do so.

Like all county supporters I wish him well.

It leaves Derbyshire, a county that at times has had three or four keepers on the books, with only Brooke Guest to call upon. The new Head of Cricket will look at that and decide whether a second keeper is needed, or the money could be better utilised elsewhere in the squad.

With loans fairly easily accessible, both options are very feasible and there will be good options out there if a permanent option is deemed the better one. 

Nice question on the HOC role

I would like to thank a regular contributor to this blog for an interesting question that I received by email today.

'You said you had looked at a lot of coaches, Peakfan and that Grant Bradburn was your pick in a fantasy shortlist.

What if that shortlist included, obviously hypothetically, an international coach or two? For example, wouldn't someone like Justin Langer, Ravi Shastri, Mark Boucher or Mickey Arthur be a better fantasy bet'? 

And I thought I was getting into fantasy land! 

The big appeal for me in Bradburn would be that he has coached, broadly speaking, at Derbyshire level and under budgetary constraints. He has had great success with them in New Zealand and in Scotland, which is a major consideration in appointing to such a role. 

When coaching at an elite level, it is different. In fact, I asked that very question of John Wright in my book, In Their Own Words: Derbyshire Cricketers in Conversation. His reply was:

'The pressures at international level are the hardest, but the main difference is that at county level you are working with players who have a wider spectrum of ability and attitude. That creates challenges and you cannot be ruthless at county level. In international cricket you bring in someone else. At county level you need to be patient and wait for players to realise what they are capable of.

There is also much less technical emphasis in the international arena. The players are the best of the best and so you are more 'hands off' '

John Wright had a spell at Kent before taking over as first New Zealand, then India coach, so he knows his stuff. 

 Of those named, Langer coached Western Australia for several years before taking the Australian job, while Boucher did very well for the Titans in South Africa, winning several trophies. Multi-millionaire Ravi Shastri would never come to England from the role he has, while Arthur had surprisingly little coaching outside the elite level, only a couple of years at Griqualand West before moving to coach South Africa, then Australia and now Sri Lanka. 

Would such people bring an 'elite mentality' to Derbyshire if, theoretically, they opted for a 'quieter' life? Yes, probably, but my concern would be exactly as John Wright said, plus we would likely only be a short-term stepping stone to the next elite role. 

Besides, IF Bradburn came in - and I must stress his resignation from the Pakistan role may be mere coincidence - I remain convinced he would bring that little sprinkle of fairy dust. He knows cricket, cricketers, people and getting the best from them. 

Anyway, fantasies, notions and wild ideas are done. 

By next weekend I expect us to know our new Head of Cricket.

Maybe we are all wide of the mark and we end up with Alan Titchmarsh...

If so, we will know Neil Godrich was on the panel!

Bradburn resignation starts conjecture

I had several messages yesterday about Grant Bradburn, regarding his resignation from his post with the Pakistan Cricket Board. 

I had seen the news early yesterday and like many of you was intrigued. 

Bradburn was in a very senior role, Head of Performance, the capo dei capi in the coaching field in that country. Undoubtedly a senior, very highly paid position. 

Could he, or would he resign that post to come to Derbyshire? Or is the timing coincidental and he has been offered a position elsewhere? 

As I wrote several weeks ago, and have done since, he would be my choice of Head of Cricket. Yet we don't know he has applied, nor that he is in line to be interviewed. 

One would assume that the latter would be a formality, if he did the former and also that he would by far be the best qualified candidate. 

Yet we must not get ahead of ourselves. I understand that we have still to interview some candidates anyway, so even if he was interviewed, an announcement may not be imminent. 

I have been part of a number of interview processes where the successful or preferred candidate was known in advance, but the process had to be followed and those interviews completed. 

IF (note the capital letters) Bradburn applied for the job and IF ( note them again..) he was interviewed, then the likelihood is he will be new Head of Cricket. He is intelligent, articulate, supremely qualified and perfect for the job. 

But we don't know if he has. 

While his potential appointment would be as exciting for me as anyone, I will keep my powder dry until there is an announcement. 

But what an announcement it would be.. 

Back to two divisions in 2022

As we wait for the communication, be it puffs of smoke, semaphore or tweet, that announces the new Head of Cricket at Derbyshire, news comes today of a return to two divisions next season.

It is welcome for me. I like my life and  sport simple and three conferences always struck me as a faff, even if a necessary one in these Covidian times.  I struggled with most of last season after our awful start to it, but the latter section, merely to prove who was best and worst of the worst, was pretty dull fare.

It was ironic, because those celebrating the creation of three conferences said it meant there would be no meaningless games like we used to see in three-day cricket when it was a seventeen or eighteen-team single division. I liked that and far preferred seeing every county and its players in the course of a summer, even when tenth v twelfth didn't matter all that much. 

Now? Leicestershire twice in T20 and four-day, maybe in the RLODC. Same for Nottinghamshire, who must have hoped that the ECB might forget they will be in division two alongside us... 

They must start massive favourites for that division next year, although if we get our Head of Cricket appointment right and recruit good overseas players, we can challenge for the second promotion berth.

But so can most teams and that is the beauty of it. Fixtures will be out in November and there is no one else in the division that, with a good, motivational coach and a sage selection policy, we can't beat.

The two divisions :

Division One

Essex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Lancashire, Northamptonshire, Somerset, Surrey, Warwickshire, Yorkshire

Division Two

Derbyshire, Durham, Glamorgan, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Nottinghamshire, Sussex, Worcestershire.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Indeed, if anyone wants to give me theirs on next season and the new coach (when announced) in an article, do please let me know.

Next Friday I go in to hospital for surgery on my other hand, which I was supposed to have over two years ago. I will be unable to type for two weeks, but will again use voice recognition software, as I did before, if there are breaking stories.

Do please keep your thoughts and comments coming! 

Weekend Blog

Enjoying a nice day off yesterday, I spent a pleasant few hours watching Scotland play Papua New Guinea in a T20 in Dubai. Earlier I had watched Ireland demolished by the United Arab Emirates in another warm up match for the T20 World Cup, but the Scots hold considerable 'Derbyshire' interest.

Ali Evans was bowling, while Calum MacLeod (quaintly called 'Maclee-od' by one commentator) not only saw his team to victory with the bat but bowled a few tight overs of off spin, which slowed their opponents down. He started his career as a handy seamer, but suggestions that his arm wasn't always straight saw it largely go by the wayside.

There was a good finishing knock too from Richie Berrington, who very nearly had a trial with Derbyshire during John Morris' time. I put him in touch with the then Derbyshire coach and a trial was arranged but fell through due to his Scottish commitments.  It was a pity, because he is a decent cricketer and was then in a rich vein of form.

It is always a pleasure to watch George Munsey bat and as someone commented early in the week, he would be a one-day asset to Derbyshire or most sides.

The powerful left-hander led off in typical style and is in a rich vein of form just now. Whether he could fit into a Derbyshire batting line up at full strength is a moot point.

In today's Scotland game against Namibia, both Mark Watt and Safyaan Sharif are on display, so there is plenty of Derbyshire interest out there. Only tarnished by a commentator who bellows into the microphone at any activity. Jim Laker, he isn't... 

Much will depend on winter activity at the Incora County Ground, both in the recruitment of the Head of Cricket and any possible departures.

I'd recommend the Free Sports Channel 64 on Freeview. The South African domestic T20 is going just now and there are some fine players on view, our own Leus du Plooy soon to be among them, playing for South Western Districts. 

Congratulations

Well done to Neil Jones, who is the winner of the first sponsors draw for a cricket book over the winter.

A signed copy of Luke Sutton's 'Life of a Sports Agent' will soon be winging its way to Neil's home - can you drop me an email with your address, please Neil?

Many thanks to those who entered and there will be another book up for grabs next month!

If you want to take part, or if you just want to sponsor the blog, please click the 'donate' button, that you will see on the top left hand side of the screen when on a PC or tablet. 

Fantasy short list

I always like it when a question posed in an email generates thoughts worthy of an article.

So it is that today I give you my fantasy five-man short list of people who I would love to have applied for the Derbyshire job. I have no idea if they have, but these five would give the board some fascinating interviews and provide a heady mix of experience. Thanks to an old friend for providing the stimulus for it!

Ian Bell

I think he wants to get in to coaching, so why not with a challenge? On the up side, his name would generate interest. On the down side, he has no background in coaching but has recent playing experience. Can he motivate people? 

Karl Krikken

The coach with the best record in recent history. Would he leave a role at Lancashire where he is settled? Would he go back to a club that sacked him? He is good with young players, both spotting and developing them. 

Mark Alleyne

Back working with Gloucestershire and a man with a fine track record as player, captain and coach. Yet not given a role in the game for a few years, for some reason. That he would be a canny coach is beyond doubt, that his tactics would be sharp is too. Could he get the best from a group of players not without talent? Would he capture media attention?

Simon Katich

Knows Derbyshire, knows the English game, but likely to be part of the 100 in some capacity and while the concept is appealing, the conflict of interest would be an issue. An overseas coach might be the way to go if he could cover the bases of the job description and offer knowledge of the county and world game. 

Grant Bradburn

For me - and I have spent a lot of time in recent months studying potential coaches around the world - he would be 'the man' . 

The question mark is if he would be remotely interested in Derbyshire. He has a senior role, Head of Performance in coaching the top coaches in Pakistan. 

His career and reputation has been made in improving the fortunes of clubs and countries that were minnows.  He did it in New Zealand, in Fiji and in Scotland. 

I would be astonished were he to apply, but this is a fantasy list and I have read that he is away from his family in Pakistan, which must be a strain. He is also known to John Wright, who brought him to the county for a few weeks to work on the T20, with success. 

That is my top five fantasy list. If any one of those applied they would be a stand out, bringing new ideas, voice and tactics to the club. 

If they all applied? You couldn't go past Bradburn. Living in Scotland, I saw what he did for the cricket team and its media profile up here. The players both respected  and responded to him. They beat England, claimed several other notable scalps and became more professional. He is a thinker, a strategist, a tactician, but most of all a motivator who gets the best from people. 

We can all dream, right?

And if you have ideas for other articles over the winter, please drop me an email or DM on Twitter. 

Landmark weekend and deadline passes

 Been a busy old week chez Peakfan, with my birthday among other things that have kept me busy.

It is also a landmark weekend, with the blog going past 2.75 million views and interest continuing. Thank you so much to all those who check in, wherever you are in the world.

Yesterday was the closing date for applications for the Head of Cricket role, so we are fast approaching a defining moment for Derbyshire cricket.

I think they will want to interview as soon as possible, so my expectation is that the successful candidate will be announced inside the next fortnight, so he can get on with the job of improving our fortunes in 2022.

With John Sadler already taking the Northamptonshire role, it is the only one on the county circuit at present. A challenge, for sure, but one that a lot of people should fancy. We just need someone brave enough to make big decisions, intelligent enough to strategise the club's future and cricket-savvy to make our game more aggressive. Throw in the need for motivational skills and good contacts and the need for someone special is clear.

Fingers crossed we get such a man.

In closing,  there are just over 24 hours to put your name in the hat for a signed copy of Luke Sutton's excellent book 'Life of a cricket agent'

It is open to anyone who has so far sponsored the blog, so if you have done so AND would like the book, please drop me an email to peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk

If you haven't yet donated, please feel free to click the 'donate' button that is visible on your PC or tablet, in the top left hand corner.

I look forward to announcing the winner in the coming week.

Good luck!

Three re-sign as Priestley leaves

I didn't have time earlier in the week to comment on the contracts awarded at Derbyshire, but I have a few minutes now.

I have no real issue with the award of two year contracts to Alex Hughes and Tom Wood, nor the one-year one to Mattie McKiernan. It was something of an inevitability for the latter two, after the awards they won at the club's annual dinner last weekend.

With Wood having been 'poster boy' for the club Twitter feed in recent weeks, it would have looked pretty silly to then announce his release. His century against Nottinghamshire will live long in the collective memory and his power and  stroke play in one day cricket will prove a potent weapon.

He has work to do on his technique for the four-day game and the defence isn't as secure as it could be, but the talent is there for the new Head of Cricket to work on. 

Similarly, McKiernan was voted Second XI player of the year, so to then announce his departure would have made the club a laughing stock.

I like him as a cricketer, but he needs to make the most of his opportunities next year under a new Head of Cricket. He also needs to be given more at senior level, because his bowling seems to be seen as a 'last resort'. I think it is better than that and perhaps he, like Anuj Dal, could benefit from greater responsibility.

Long time readers will know I am a big fan of Alex Hughes  and so I am pleased to see him get a new deal. Coming in from left field, he will be a strong contender for the captaincy if they don't look to Matt Critchley, certainly in the one-day games. A change is needed, in my opinion, with fresh eyes and enthusiasm. 

Yet my concern is that Dave Houghton has made, or been allowed to make, decisions on contracts when he won't be at the club.

Unless the new Head of Cricket is to be given a pot of money as yet undeclared, he looks set to go with the same squad for next year, as he has been presented with a fait accompli.

I just find it very odd. So whoever comes in cannot be fairly judged next year, unless he turns us into a mid-table side, because there would appear to be only money for the overseas players.

It makes the appointment of the right man absolutely critical, because we desperately need someone with a track record of motivation, capable of getting the best from what we have.

Nils Priestley won't be part of the new regime, his release having been announced yesterday.

A talented cricketer, capable of useful left arm spin and clean hitting, his development was not sufficient, at this stage, to earn a new deal.

It could come again, if he goes away and works on his game, or his future could be outside cricket.

Either way, I wish him well. 

Questions on the Head of Cricket role

I have had a few people drop me emails with regard to the Head of Cricket role and I thought I would respond to those questions on the blog, as they have recurred.

Do I think anyone internally will apply and do I think they might be options?

They are always options, but in an ideal world where we get interest of good standard from outside the club, my preference would be for a new broom. The squad needs a dispassionate look from outside, at players, performance and salaries. Are we getting the maximum bang for our buck from senior players on major salaries? 

In setting up the Academy and Pathway, Dave Houghton did a good job. We look to have some talented players coming through the age groups and I think they have the right man in charge with Daryn Smit. Especially since he will be focusing his weekends now on watching them and/or playing locally, which I would have thought a key element of the role.

There he can see the young talent in match situations and hopefully help them progress with sage advice.

I don't think this is the time for him to get the top job, but don't think Mal Loye or Ajmal Shahzad are either. The former was overlooked when Houghton got the job and I am not convinced he is the right 'fit' for that role. I also think Shahzad is doing a good job with the young bowlers and might be an option down the line, but not just yet.

Ian Bell is understood to be looking for a coaching role. Is he a possibility? 

Yes, though I have no idea what his abilities as a coach may be. Is he a motivator? His name would create interest, for sure, but that isn't the same as turning around our fortunes. He will know a lot of players, has very recent experience and MIGHT prove a decent wildcard pick. 

Do you seriously think Grant Bradburn would leave a role in Pakistan for Derbyshire? 

Why not? Did anyone really think Eddie Barlow would come here, or Dean Jones? I know people in Scotland were surprised when he took that role but he led them to memorable wins and heightened standards. 

Pakistan and its cricket is always in a state of flux and he strikes me as a man who likes a challenge. Were I on the board, I would take the initiative and approach him. 

What about Wayne Madsen as an option? 

Possibly, at some point. Though our greater need for now is his batting. It is not sustainable to be player/coach and only Mark Alleyne ever managed that with success. I think Wayne is too young to pack in as a player and has a couple more good years in him with the right man at the helm. 

Why are you against Chris Adams? 

I never said I was! I just don't think the Derbyshire way of appointing our former players is the right way. Chris is a strong man and good coach, but my impression of his methods is that they are similar to John Morris and Kim Barnett, neither of which ended well (sadly). 

When will this be sorted? 

Closing date is October 1 and I expect them to want to interview soon afterwards. There are contracts to renew or otherwise, overseas players to sign and memberships /sponsorships to sell. 

The sooner we have someone in place the better, for all concerned. 

Season review

With due respect to all involved, I have never been so disillusioned as I was this year in watching Derbyshire. While there were green shoots of promise and it ended with a win, for the most part it was depressing fare. The early 1970s were bad, but we still had Lawrence Rowe, Venkat, Ward, Hendrick and Taylor, even when results weren't there. 

The main problem was a batting line up that struggled all summer. I am discounting the run fest down at Hove in the final match, as the opposition bowling was inexperienced to a man, but too many times the batting collapsed like a pack of cards, leaving our own young attack little to work with.

Billy Godleman looked jaded for much of the summer, endured an awful Blast which did no favours for the coach who kept picking him and returned to an approximation of his best only in the season's closing weeks. I would see him as a wily senior pro next year and hope that a change of captaincy will allow him to focus on his batting in four-day and 50-over cricket. 

Luis Reece struggled manfully with injuries to his shoulder and knee, both requiring winter surgery, but his game was badly affected. Only in the Vitality Blast did he show his real class and we must hope that he returns to his best form next year. I would love to see the new Head of Cricket be fair with a move down the order in four-day cricket, as the current work load is colossal and may shorten his career. 

Leus du Plooy was another who kept his best for the Vitality Blast. He plays on a different level to most at his peak, but too often this summer lapsed to a level of mediocrity that was hard to fathom. Capable of destroying the best of attacks, his hesitant starts in the longer form were painful to watch and eight ducks show where he needs to improve. 

Wayne Madsen missed too much of the season for comfort, after tearing his hamstring at the start of the Blast. His absence stymied any chance of our success in that competition, as even in the later years of his career he remains the side's best player, the wicket most wanted by opponents. He remained a safe slip, though his bowling was rarely seen. Again, we must hope he returns to something closer to his best under a new coach, as the thought of Derbyshire sans Madsen is hard to think about. 

Matt Critchley had a terrific season. He started the summer in sparkling form, tailed off mid-season but came back to form to reach his thousand runs in the last match. His bowling, in the time honoured method of leg spin, could be devastating or expensive, but his potential loss this winter would be a huge blow. The appointment of a good coach could yet kick him on to another level, but Critch may see his future elsewhere. I hope not, as his languid style and infectious enthusiasm are a joy to watch. 

Tom Wood at last had his chance after years in the wings. A brilliant century against Nottinghamshire in the RLODC showed what he could do, while his belated introduction to the Blast side saw him finish top of the averages. Yet in the longer form he looked ponderous in footwork and loose in defence. Worth a one-day contract, perhaps, but that may not be enough for him and the jury remains out on his four-day future. An average under ten isn't a strong argument. 

Harry Came was signed after a couple of second team innings and can certainly hit a ball. The question is whether  his propensity to play across his front pad and away from his body will allow him to do it for long enough against good bowlers and red balls. He has two years to show what he can do and if he can temper his aggression with a little more nous might prove a handy player. 

Alex Hughes had a tough year, missing matches with injury and seemingly deemed a bloke to run around the outfield at other times. I don't think his being used as a night watchman at Chelmsford did him any favours and was an insult to a player who has batted his best at number three. He remains an early pick in my one - day side and should have been skipper before now. Will there be a new contract? I hope so, but sadly the figures don't stack up this year for a committed and gutsy cricketer. 

Anuj Dal was written off by many by the time August arrived, myself included. It is to his great credit that he was the side's most reliable player in the closing weeks, suddenly realising he could both score runs and take wickets at this level. We all know he is a wonderful fielder but if he can carry that form through, we may just have found a good all-rounder in a time of adversity. He is a joy to watch, has a ready smile and an obvious enjoyment of what he does. A new contract seems  certain and deservedly so. 

Brooke Guest made a positive impression on most. While the weight of runs to fully  back the claim wasn't there, he looked an organised player with plenty of time. His century against Leicestershire will do him good, while his wicket keeping was generally tidy and improved with a guaranteed slot. He looks a good bet for a long county career. 

Harvey Hosein batted very well in early season and seemed to have sorted his early innings foot movement issue, one that used to see him a prime candidate for lbw. I would prefer to see him up the order a little, as he isn't a player who can cut loose when batting with the tail. I just hope two late season concussions haven't impaired his confidence. Steady, if not spectacular with the gloves, the battle for the wicket - keeper role will be fascinating. 

Ben Aitchison finished top of the bowling averages, took the most wickets and deservedly so. He looks set for a long county career, though is a greater force in four-day cricket at this stage. A good work horse, he forms a nice pairing with Sam Conners and they offer considerable potential to the new HOC. He bowls with good rhythm and is also a safe slip fielder, while I suspect the batting could develop too. 

Sam Conners is always a threat with a new ball but needs to build himself up so he can stay fit throughout the season. I had the feeling that he was less of a threat in his later spells and will need to prove he can bowl three or four spells a day of equal menace. If he can, he will be a fine bowler, as the basics are all in place. He and Aitchison could be very special together. 

Mikey Cohen was also improved, before the latest back injury of his career ended his season early. He might need to modify his action, as he seems to come down hard on his right side, which is likely where he has the problem. If that doesn't make him less effective he is another with long-term potential, because he has genuine pace which was better directed than before. 

Dusty Melton was badly affected by injury and will need a big, fit season next year to convince the new HOC of his long term merit. When he does play, his pace and aggression are great to see, but that will need to be seen more often than we have so far. Filling one of the crucial overseas berths, he has to step up on a regular basis. The talent and pace are there to do so. 

I like Mattie McKiernan as a player, but I am not convinced he is more than a bits and pieces man at this level. Tidy with bat and ball, excellent in the field, but is that enough? He lacked opportunity, but didn't really grasp the limited ones that he got. 

Alex Thomson arrived mid-season and is similar to McKiernan. I am not currently sure if he has what it takes to bowl sides out, while his batting looks useful, but no more than that. He has two years to prove me wrong and I hope he does, because we have long needed a decent off spinner. I am just not sure how much cricket he will get, to be honest and like Harry Came, two years to show what he could do seemed excessive to many supporters. 

I don't expect to see George Scrimshaw again in our colours. He had some good Vitality Blast matches, but turned down a deal in favour of one elsewhere. Good luck to him, but Derbyshire gave him a chance to  get back into county cricket and one would hope that counted for something. 

Fynn Hudson-Prentice will be missed and made a big impression on supporters. Very much an impact player and capable of impressing with bat and ball, he was the sort of player we really need to retain to progress. I wish a whole-hearted player and lovely lad the very best. 

Overseas players? I might as well put them together as they barely featured. Billy Stanlake was a huge mistake, an accident waiting to happen, while Ben McDermott didn't look to have the technique for wickets that do anything. Dusty Melton barely played, while Logan van Beek took wickets but was simply too expensive in the Blast. Ravi Rampaul returned for the RLODC but looked to be past his best days. 

The failure of those selections was a major contribution to the departure of Dave Houghton. Good overseas input can mask deficiencies elsewhere, but we had next to none this year. 

The Head of Cricket made poor and questionable selections, showed limited ability to motivate and frustrated supporters with anodyne post match comments which blamed all but Uncle Tom Cobbly. 

After all, he recruited most of the players he was slating. He insulted Alex Hughes at Chelmsford and Harvey Hosein to a members forum. As Head of Cricket it was his job to know what the issue was with a batting line up that never functioned, his comments of 'I can't put my finger on it' being of no value to anyone and rather an embarrassment. 

Furthermore, he released Tony Palladino. There was one more summer at least in the loyal seamer, whose input on challenging days would have made a difference. Look around the circuit to the clubs that had that experienced bowler and the difference that it made. 

Like every other supporter, I am aware of the financial challenges at the county. That means that recruitment has to be especially canny and with a handful of exceptions, his wasn't. It also means that you work with and strive to get the best from what you have - and he didn't. 

His replacement is worth waiting for and spending money on. We previously took an easy option and appointed a man 'on the doorstep' who wouldn't cost relocation expenses and could start immediately. 

We cannot do that again. 

Whoever comes through the recruitment process this time has to come through a robust and thorough one that finds the best man for the job. I have said before that the dream appointment would be Grant Bradburn, who has made his reputation on developing players and teams where money was an issue. Mark Alleyne would be another good option, a strong strategist like Bradburn and also capable of getting the best from people. 

2022 can be better, even if we don't have much money to spend. That Dave Houghton was bizarrely allowed to recruit  for the year still puzzles me. 

There are good players at the club who the right coach could mould into a competitive team. But in my message to the board, PLEASE don't pick a guy who used to play for Derbyshire simply because you know them. 

If he turns out to be the best option, so be it, but let's be ambitious, brave and innovative in our appointment. 

2021 was a summer to forget. 

2022 can be one when the club starts to rise again.