Cork: 'Let's get Derbyshire into shape'
by Alan Rowley, 1st October 2001

Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork apologises on behalf of the players for last season's dismal performances and urges Derbyshire to "get into shape".

Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork, speaking in tonight's Derby Evening Telegraph, called for more members for the 2002 season. Acknowledging that an increase in membership numbers will only happen by playing better cricket, Cork said "The main job is to get Derbyshire into shape."

Writer Gerald Mortimer describes Cork as "a good captain because he has a streak of aggressive optimism, grabs opportunities and can pluck out significant personal performances." This may be true, but Derbyshire, under Cork's leadership, will need to put the last two dismal seasons behind them.

Apologising to members on behalf of all the players, Cork went on to add "It's not all doom and gloom down here. We have engaged Andrew Gait from the Free State and are talking to three other players. If they come, they will strengthen our batting and bowling."

Cork, who has stated that he wants to end his career with Derbyshire, said that the county hope to involve specialist batting, bowling and fielding coaches on a consultancy basis in order to improve the Derbyshire game.

Cork went on to say "I'm not going to promise we'll win every game next season but I want an improvement - in greater competitiveness for a start. Batsmen have to stay in, bowlers have to be more consistent."

We at Sting In The Tail, although being critical of Cork and the Derbyshire squad in the past, urge supporters to rally round the guys and help put Derbyshire cricket back on the map. Re-new those membership cards as soon as you can and let's make 2002 a year to remember.

As the only independent Derbyshire cricket website worth the bandwidth, Sting In The Tail will be the best place to follow the resurrection of Derbyshire County Cricket Club next season. Come and join us!