Derbyshire have appointed wicketkeeper Luke Sutton as captain for the 2011 season.
Second spell in charge for returning gloveman
Derbyshire have appointed wicketkeeper Luke Sutton as captain for the 2011 season.
Sutton, who has rejoined the county after five years with Lancashire, will be taking the helm for the second time.
The 34-year-old was in charge during the 2004 and 2005 seasons before leaving for Old Trafford.
"I am delighted to have been handed the opportunity to captain a talented young team and I'm very much looking forward to the challenge," he told Derbyshire's official website.
"I am passionate about making Derbyshire successful and I have a lot of experience that I hope can guide some of the younger players as we strive for success in 2011 and beyond.
"My aim is to lead a side that is aggressive and competitive, treats every game importantly and competes at a very high level.
"I want to be part of a unit that isn't coasting and is always pushing itself to keep improving."
Respect
Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris believes Sutton can spearhead a new era at a county that has been marooned in Division Two of the Championship since 2001.
"With the huge respect he commands from his team-mates and the vast experience he brings to the role, Luke is an excellent choice as Derbyshire's captain," said Morris.
"With the attitude of ultimate professionalism that he brings - and with the huge ambition to make Derbyshire successful that I know he has - he is the right man to take us forward."
Australian batsman Chris Rogers stepped down as skipper in August and all-rounder Greg Smith took over for the final month of the 2010 season.
Rogers has since left the county but Smith remains part of the squad and will slot back into the ranks under Sutton.
