Kim Barnett to become Derbyshire Director of Cricket
Friday 30 September 2016 16:58, UK
Kim Barnett is to take over as Derbyshire's director of cricket as part of an overhaul of the county’s coaching structure.
Barnett will step down immediately from his position as Derbyshire president in order to take on his new role.
The former Derbyshire, Gloucestershire and England batsman will be tasked with overseeing a new set up, which will include the appointment of a 1st XI 'support coach' and a specialist Twenty20 coach.
Derbyshire announced the new structure after a disappointing season that saw them finish bottom of Specsavers Division Two after failing to secure a single victory in the county championship.
"The Elite Performance model regrettably has not produced the results that we have been hoping for," said chairman Chris Grant.
"We have been spending over 20 per cent of our overall cricket budget on coaching, and this new model will achieve a better balance between our coaching and playing budget.
"As well as providing more targeted coaching resources, it will also free up funds from the cricketing budget that can be spent on attracting higher quality players.
"We believe Kim is the perfect man to lead this new structure. He has done it all as a player and knows how to win competitions - and his experience, knowledge and tactical awareness will be invaluable."
Barnett admits Derbyshire have been underperforming but feels they have the quality on and off the pitch to progress.
"We have some great talent here and some great facilities, with a tremendous fitness and medical team supporting the players," he said.
"However, we have not achieved enough success on the field in recent years. We're determined to change this.
"With a strong captain and players technically sound and tactically clued-up, we will be in a great position for next season.
"We will ensure that [captain] Billy [Godleman] and our Twenty20 captain are given the right players on the field and that our talented youngsters will come into a dressing room with experienced cricketers that know how to win."
