Derbyshire v Yorkshire day 3

People calling for big clear outs are being silly. We have players on contracts and even if we chose to pay anyone off, it would cost money that we’re hardly awash with. The nucleus of this team will do well in Division Two and better luck with injury would probably see the majority of the attack as successful next year as they were last. Durston, Redfern and Godleman have struggled this summer, but hard work in the winter should see one or more capable of good second tier runs.

Chris Grant and Karl Krikken will be far more aware of how we can improve than anyone. They will know that we need to strengthen, but will know what resources we have to do so. There is no point in any of us speculating unduly as it is not fair on people who are doing their best in trying circumstances.

It could be that challenging in the second tier will be the summit of our ambitions for the immediate future, or we could be a side that yo-yos between divisions until young players become established and we can bring in others who can handle the big time. It is patently obvious that some of the current personnel will not be there for the long haul, but their work ethic, ability, mental toughness and age will all be factors in deciding who makes it and who doesn’t.

Derbyshire in 2012

All I ask is this. I hope that young players, like Ben Slater, Alex Hughes, Tom Knight, Peter Burgoyne and Tom Poynton get a chance to test themselves in the remainder of the championship summer. If they do so and fail, it gives them a benchmark to how hard they need to work to make the top county level. They may be found wanting, but then again they might not. Either way, they would benefit ahead of Division Two and what should be a less demanding platform.

As for those of you writing in – please continue to do so, but as you do, keep in mind that however poorly the results are going, these guys are trying their best for OUR club. They are also the son, brother, relative or friend of someone who might either read or stumble across this site. It isn’t fair to write about sackings – if they happen, fair enough, but I don’t want this site to become a gathering place for miscreants seeking change and mischief. Constructive criticisms are fine and remember that we’re all hurting and feeling the same right now, myself included.

Just keep in mind last September. Maybe we did over-achieve last summer. Some may still wonder how we finished above this Yorkshire side, but we did. Their greater resources have enabled them to move forward, while we’ve not had that luxury, but history will record Derbyshire as Division Two champions in 2012. However bad this championship summer has been, I wouldn’t swap last summer and those crazy scenes at Derby in September for anything.

With your continued support and patience, we’ll experience that again.

Trust me.