Derbyshire CCC head coach Karl Krikken leaves the club

Krikken took over the Head Coach role in May 2011 after a period as the first Academy Director at the Club.

He enjoyed a 17 year playing career with Derbyshire from 1987 to 2003, scoring over 7,000 runs and totalling almost 800 dismissals as wicketkeeper.

He said: “I would like to thank the off-field staff, groundsmen, coaches, players and members for all their help and support during my time at Derbyshire. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Club, firstly as a player and then as a coach.

“As a player I was lucky enough to play with some magnificent cricketers that brought success to the county, winning a couple of one day cups.

“In the last couple of years during my tenure as Head Coach, I have been immensely proud to lead a team of great lads to the first trophy for Derbyshire in 19 years and last year to our highest championship finish since 1996.”

Chairman Chris Grant thanked Krikken, who led the Club to a promotion and subsequent relegation in two full seasons as Head Coach, for his contribution in the last 27 years.

Grant said:  “It’s sad that Karl’s time at the Club has come to an end and we thank him for his contribution to drafting the new elite player pathway, we respect his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere and we wish him all the very best for the future.

“Karl was a stalwart for our Club as a wicket keeper, his contribution as the first Director of our Academy was critical to our future and who can forget the glory of promotion, as Division Two champions, under his stewardship in 2012.

“Our recruitment process will now continue and we are confident that the new Elite Performance structure will enhance our chances of success in the years to come across all three domestic competitions.”