Following a much improved 2002 season, most of Derbyshire's most promising cricketers have pledged their immediate future to the Club;

Michael Di Venuto, (1538 First Class runs in 2002) will once again take up an overseas playing slot at the County.

Steven Selwood (524 One Day runs) has signed a two year full time playing contract, after completing his University studies this year. Tom Lungley has also signed a two year contract as he looks to build upon considerable all round promise. Luke Sutton, capped at the end of the season, has signed an extension of a further year, keeping him at the Club until at least the end of season 2004. Neil Gunter and Rawait Khan have signed new 1 year contracts.

Discussions are in progress with Lian Wharton and Karl Krikken, (both of whom have been offered new 1 year contracts), and with Chris Bassano (newly capped) and Andrew Gait who have been offered extensions to existing contracts that expire at the end of 2003. All other retained staff have been kept on existing contracts.

Disappointingly, the Club has also been informed, in line with ECB Regulations, that Essex CCC wish to negotiate with Mohammad Ali, who has not yet committed his future to Derbyshire, despite the fact that he was offered a two year contract some time ago. The resultant situation may or may not influence the choice of second overseas player, although presently negotiations have progressed well with a senior batting all-rounder.

"The overall picture is extremely positive, with the nucleus of the squad pretty much confirmed in place, and we will also be investigating a number of possibilities to strengthen the playing potential at the Club. In addition, the position left vacant by Colin Wells' departure is being discussed at present, along with the type of role that is required of any new appointee," said Chief Executive, John Smedley.

© Derbyshire CCC