Graeme Welch signs two-year contract extension at Derbyshire

Elite performance director Graeme Welch has signed a two-year contract extension at Derbyshire, committing his future to the club until the end of 2018.

Welch has been with Derbyshire since the inauguration of the elite performance structure in 2014 and has overseen the development of a number of young players at the club.

His work at Derbyshire was recognised this winter when he was asked to join the England Lions coaching staff on their tour to Dubai, where he was joined by Matt Critchley, while Tom Taylor was also selected to join the Potential England Performance Programme in January.

Derbyshire chairman, Chris Grant said: "Graeme has played a key part in the club's progression over the past two-and-a-half years and his contract extension will ensure stability for everyone involved.

"If we are to continue to be sustainable as a county, we need to be producing our own players and Graeme's role in this has been clear to see.

"Our goal is for success on the field and while developing England players, and Graeme has already shown his ability to achieve this with England recognition for Mark Footitt, Tom Taylor and Matt Critchley.

"It's now important that we see results on the field in 2016 and I look forward to seeing the continued progression of the team under Graeme and his coaching team."