Friday 21 September 2012

Friday talking points

Happy anniversary everyone...

It is now a week since Derbyshire became division two champions and a good one it has most assuredly been. From walking in to work on Monday to have my work mates singing "Championees..." (not had that happen before, given I wasn't around in '36...) to reading the media comments about our club.

There's also been lots of e mails to reply to, for which I am very grateful. Thanks to all of you for your kind words, with extra special mention for those who got in touch from overseas. Your comments brought home to me how far flung Derbyshire support is and it is patently obvious that your enjoyment of our success is in no way reduced by the miles between your homes and the County Ground. Bit like me, really...

We've had good support from the local media, with front page on the Derby Telegraph and good coverage on Radio Derby. Again, that is a sign of progress, as cricket has been a long time second behind Derby County, sometimes third behind Burton Albion. It is also encouraging to see that the boys will be parading the trophy at Pride Park tomorrow, something that may, perhaps, encourage a few others to come along to see the boys next summer.

This week's edition of the Cricket Paper carried an article on Richard Johnson, suggesting that he would be having talks with Derbyshire with a view "to playing for them as a specialist batsman" next summer.

There are two ways of looking at this story of course. On the face of it, a player with minimal first-class experience and an average in the mid-twenties may not sound like the answer to Derbyshire's batting needs for their first summer back in division one - always assuming that it is accurate journalism, of course. There is logic to it, given the player's stay with us this summer, and it was hardly a secret that he enjoyed his time with Derbyshire.

There will be those, of course, who will say that it is a mistake and Derbyshire fans have never been slow in expressing their concerns or disapproval. It is a free world and everyone is entitled to their politely expressed opinions, but my thoughts are clear.

If Dave Houghton and Karl Krikken reckon that the lad can make a contribution to Derbyshire, and more importantly can do so as a specialist batsman, it is good enough for me - and should be for other people too. On the occasions that I have seen him bat, it is patently obvious he can handle the old willow and his innings at Chesterfield against Yorkshire in the CB40 evidenced that in spades.

There is, of course, a difference between being a wicket-keeper batsman and a batsman only. Johnson is a very good keeper and would mount a good challenge to Tom Poynton for the gloves, one that the latter will fight hard for. There would be increased pressure on Johnson to perform as a batsman only, but who's to say that he might not thrive on it? There are plenty of examples of such players who have been more prolific in such a role, from Les Ames through Alec Stewart on to Tim Ambrose.

Richard Johnson has a long way to go before he can be considered in the same breath as those players and may have a long way to go before he becomes a Derbyshire player - if he ever does. But fans should be wary of decrying the lad's undoubted talents.

A lot did that about the team this year and ended up looking a little silly, eh?

Anyway, enjoy your weekend. Maybe next week will bring some news...

9 comments:

  1. I watched Johnson,s innings at Chesterfield and it was a good one. I can see merit in signing him,the only question is where does he bat?. Maybe we can turn him into an opener. I can,t see him ousting Poynton,though I would guess he may keep in some one day matches. He certainly has promise as a batsman but he,s still some way off the finished article.

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  2. Fair point Marc, but then finished articles cost money we don't have! Its all very well people say we need experienced players, but none have a solution for where the money comes from to sign them! I would suggest that if we move for Johnson that Houghton and Krikken feel his technique is up to opening, in the short, medium or long term and that such an opportunity would be a reason for him to sign. I can't see him swap Warwicks reserve keeper for Derbyshire reserve keeper, can you?

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  3. The problem with signing the finished article, and I say this as a genuine Derbyshire supporter, is that players might be asking themselves 'Why should I sign for them?' Even if we did have the resources, I hope that we don't go down the line of trying to lure players with cash. Greg Smith went to Essex for more money - it doesn't always work. Perhaps the opportunity to play first division cricket is one attraction, but then who from division two is the finished article and up for a move?

    Hopefully we can find individuals who see the long term project as a challenge that they want to be a part of, amongst a group of decent people and players.

    Oh for a young Peter Kirsten and Kim Barnett!

    Craig

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  4. Mahmood in talks. Great news.

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  5. Re: Mahmood - Great news it may be, so long as it is with any other side than Derbyshire. Can't see it myself. It doesn't fit the pattern for developing young players.

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  6. Sorry Peakfan - pressed the button too soon! Anonymous note timed at 19:19 was me myself - I just don't think Mahmood fits the bill.

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  7. No probs Alan. Don't see Mahmood coming to Derbyshire. Can't see the appeal to be honest and would be VERY surprised

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  8. Craig - Kirsten AND Barnett? That would be greedy mate! Wouldn't say no though, eh?

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  9. I certainly can,t see Johnson signing to be a reserve so if he does sign,one can only assume the club have given him certain guarantees.

    I take your point about money, Peakfan but the Chairman did state there was money available to strengthen the team. Obviously we don,t know how much,perhaps enough for 2 or 3 players. I would certainly hope so.

    As much as I think we need an additional seamer, I wouldn,t touch Mahmood at any price. If ever there was a player in full speed reverse, it,s him.

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