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No place for Barnett

Tuesday, March 18 2003

Derbyshire chief executive John Smedley today poured cold water on the widely reported sugestion that former skipper Kim Barnett is set to return to the county following the cancellation of his contract with Gloucestershire.

He stated that the matter had been discussed by the Cricket Committee (comprising Smedley himself, skipper Dominic Cork and club coach Adrian Piersen) , but that it had been rejected as it went against the spirit of the club's youth policy.

Smedley added : "Everyone has the greatest respect for Kim's playing record and contribution to the Club, but the simple facts are that we have a promising young squad of batsmen at the County Ground along with a firm faith in youth policy. We have an enthusiastic new Coach, and a good mix of experienced cricketers, along with a respected international as our Captain. In any case, we have already spent our cricket salary budget, with the exception of a remaining amount available to secure a second overseas player to replace Nathan Astle."

Speculation is rife as to the identity of the second overseas player. Shahid Afridi is contracted to Derbyshire for April and May, but reports suggest that the Pakistani is not the prime target.

Cash is not exactly in short supply at Derbyshire, despite a trading deficit approaching STG 110,000 last year. A plot of land has been sold for the development of a hotel which has realised almost STG 270,000. This, together with an increase in sponsorship following a relatively successful season on the field has led supporters to cast their eyes optimistically towards the World Cup semi-finalists and ask themselves "Who will it be?".

14 March 2003


Posted by Eddie