Good for the game or bad for the balance sheet?
by Ivan Vanman, 26th November 2001

Are the Derbyshire League professionals saviours of past glories or modern day mercenaries? Is it time for the officials of the Derbyshire Leagues to re-think the rules governing paid professionals and overseas players in all divisions?

The Leagues are awash with all aspects of money yet the County side must rank as the worst in the history of Derbyshire County Cricket Club. Could this be relative or simply coincidence? Close scrutiny of the Premier League will show a wide mixture of overseas players and ageing ex-pros, picking up easy money to satisfy individual egos of club chairmen whose wallet size must outbalance their brain size.

What has happened to the old fashioned club cricketer?

The honest and loyal servant forever willing to coach the youngsters, maintain the ground, raise funds and do all the menial tasks required to keep his beloved club in existence. Is he out there? Do you know him? Or has his kind long departed down the plughole of sorrow and frustration?

We have recently seen the demise of a proud Heanor Town 1st XI from the Premier League. The stamp was scarcely dry on the letter of resignation before the club "professionals" were heading down the A52 to ply their trade in the Nottinghamshire Premier League. A similar story emerges from Stainsby Hall with the club being relegated from the Premier League and the brakes being applied to the gravy train. It is strongly rumoured that Trent buses heading toward Langley Mill and other destinations are carrying an unusual amount of cricket equipment and kit bags.

It has reached the silly season when Premier League teams are paying up to four players, and this infectious disease continues to spread down the lower leagues, even into Division 3 (unless you know of one lower!)

Isn't it time to re-think the rules of the League?

A conservative estimate from the English Cricket Board claims that up to 4,000 overseas players are spread throughout the length and breadth of our wonderful game. This would mean 4,000 players taking money out of local cricket, but even more important they are denying or blocking 4,000 young English players the chance to progress.

The next time these impoverished clubs rattle their collecting tins or ask for support or sponsorship, ask the questions:

• DOES YOUR CLUB PAY ANYONE TO PLAY?
• DO YOU HAVE AN OVERSEAS PLAYER?

If the answer to either question is YES tell them to shove the collecting tin where the sun don't shine. Come on you committee men, ONE PRO OR ONE OVERSEAS PLAYER , give the English youngsters a chance.

These views are mine alone, or are they?