New Derbyshire deal for Clare

By Andy Wilson

All-rounder Jon Clare has become the third member of Derbyshire’s LV= County Championship Division Two-winning side in a week to sign an extended new deal with the club.

The Burnley-born 26-year-old has followed Ross Whiteley and Tony Palladino by agreeing a new three-year contract and says he believes the county is on the verge of much more success. Clare took 30 Championship wickets at 21.40 last season, despite a back problem that limited his effectiveness in the second half of the campaign.
 
He made an eye-catching impact in his first game of the season, with match figures of 11 for 57 to demolish Glamorgan at Cardiff in April – a victory that gave Derbyshire the early momentum they were able to carry through to September.

“It’s great to be able to say I’ll be at the County Ground for at least another three seasons,” he said. “It is a place with a real buzz and we’re a squad that’s growing and improving all the time - something I’m desperate to remain part of.

“What the squad and management have achieved this season has been phenomenal, yet all the lads feel there’s a lot more we can accomplish, so the next few years could be something very special here at Derbyshire.”

Clare joined Derbyshire after leaving Lancashire in 2005 and joined the professional staff after a five-wicket haul on his first-class debut against Nottinghamshire in 2007. He has gone on to take 135 wickets in the four-day game at 26.75 apiece has two first-class centuries to bolster a batting average of 26.50.

“Jon has the ability to bowl quickly and accurately and when he’s batting he can make first-class centuries,” said Derbyshire head coach Karl Krikken. “It’s a rare combination and one we’re delighted to be keeping hold of for the foreseeable future.”

Date: 02/10/2012 07:30:00 by Andy Wilson
In: Today | England | Derbyshire |