Mickey Arthur expected to finally start Derbyshire head coach role in mid-January

The South African, who has stepped down as head coach of Sri Lanka, was originally due to arrive in Derby in mid-December but has experienced issues with his visa and is still yet to formally start work in his new job

Derbyshire expect Mickey Arthur to be in place at the Incora County Ground by the third week of January.

Arthur's impending arrival as the club's new head coach was announced in November, with the signing representing something of a coup for Derbyshire, who are desperate to improve on a miserable 2021.

The South African, who has stepped down as head coach of Sri Lanka, was originally due to arrive in Derby in mid-December but has experienced issues with his visa and is still yet to formally start work in his new job.

Derbyshire chief executive Ryan Duckett, however, has told supporters that a resolution is nearing.

"There has been significant progress this week and we're hopeful that by the end of the third week in January, Mickey will be able to start his role and fully get stuck in with the players, and will be hands-on in the preparation for the new season," said Duckett.

^{Mickey Arthur is the new head coach of Derbyshire, but his arrival has been delayed (AFP via Getty Images)}

"I'm in conversation with him at the moment and he's champing at the bit, but with Covid restrictions, vaccines and passport applications, it has all taken a bit longer than we hoped, but we're confident that won’t impact our preparations for the new season."

Derbyshire have signed Shan Masood, the Pakistan batsman, as an overseas player for the entire campaign, and the players have been back preparing for the 2022 county season for several weeks.

"The players are already aware of the standards Mickey expects, and their fitness scores have improved over the last few months," Duckett said.

"He's had informal chats with the squad about what they need to improve and I've already had numerous conversations with him around recruitment.

"Hopefully our members and supporters feel the optimism going into the season and that will build further as we start to add to the squad."

Duckett committed to the arrival of new players at the club before the County Championship season begins in April.

"We do have some money available for recruitment and that's available for Mickey to shape the squad how he wants to.

Arthur was originally due to arrive at the club in mid-December (AFP via Getty Images)

"It's work in progress, but hopefully we will have some positive announcements in the next few months. There will definitely be some more players to come in and that’s exciting, because they are the kind of players Mickey wants to bring in."

Further backroom changes during the off-season have included the departures of lead strength and conditioning coach, Jonty Norris, and lead physiotherapist Fran Clarkson, who has joined the Football Association.

James Bell will move from Durham to replace Norris, while Derbyshire say a new physio has been recruited whom Arthur "knows through international cricket".