Wicketkeeper David Ripley, 35, who retires at the end of this season, made his debut for Northamptonshire in 1984. During his career he scored over 8600 first-class runs, took 678 catches and made 85 stumpings, to become the second-most successful wicketkeeper in Northants' history behind Keith Andrew. He took over the captaincy this year.

Best moment
Probably when Northants won the NatWest final in 1992. I didn't bat and didn't contribute to a dismissal, so for me it was pretty low-key, but it was about winning. I had been involved in three previous Lord's finals and we'd lost them all, so it was just nice to be standing on the balcony as the winning side.

Worst moment
I felt pretty low the other day actually, when I dropped David Fulton when we were playing Kent in an important relegation game. He went on to make 169 more runs, which was really depressing - especially in such an important game.

What will you miss most?
My team-mates. You enjoy personal success but perhaps more you enjoy team success. You spend a lot of time away - often in five-night blocks - so then you spend all day and then all evening together. You end up with some quite strong friendships.

Who was your biggest influence?
My parents, who in my formative years made sure that I travelled around and made it to matches. Then also Ian Stein, sadly now dead, my coach up in Yorkshire.

What has changed most in cricket during your career?
I don't want to say cheating, so let's say players not walking. When I first started 75% of people seemed to walk, now no-one does which tends to lead to a bit of frustration. Also teams aren't as close as they used to be. It's not pistols at dawn or anything, but after a match there isn't as much interaction as there used to be. People turn up in their tracksuits, warm up, play, put their tracksuits back on and warm down or go and have a swim in the hotel pool. Only old fogies like me still go and have a couple of pints after play. It's a shame I think.

What one moment made you decide to retire?
It was more or less mapped out actually. The timing just seemed right. It gave me a chance to captain the side yet meant that there would soon be a chance for Toby Bailey, the very good young keeper we have coming through. Also I had sorted out what I wanted to do when I retired.

What is your biggest regret?
I haven't got any really. Some people would say that they never have a chance to play for England. But I've never considered myself good enough for that.

What do you plan to do now?
I'm going to go and work in development for Northamptonshire. I've been doing it for the last four years during the winter, so it won't be too much of a change.

How good a player do you think you were?
I think I was a decent county cricketer with a reasonable record statistically.

Would you do it all again?
Yes of course - though preferably for a lot more money.

David Ripley was talking to Tanya Aldred.

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