A letter notifying Barnett yesterday recognised his ``long and valued service''. Gloucestershire are now his likely destination.

But members already dismayed by Dominic Cork's threat to resign as captain in an ongoing dispute over control of playing matters will inevitably see Barnett as the victim of a contest of wills which has strained relationships between committee and players for the last 18 months.

Barnett confirmed: ``My request for release was made in disgust over the committee's treatment of me, the captain Dominic Cork and other senior players and I am relieved to have the freedom to consider other options.''

What is certain is that plans for an Extraordinary General Meeting and a vote of ``no confidence'' in the committee will be accelerated by Barnett's departure.

David Griffin, organiser of a recent members' forum which demonstrated overwhelming support for Cork and Barnett, said yesterday: ``Derbyshire are a laughing stock again and unless the committee changes tack before the AGM on Jan 26, an EGM will be called to ensure that Cork stays.''