Houghton leaves Derbyshire with immediate effect
by Alan Rowley, 7th July 2007

Director of cricket Dave Houghton is to leave Derbyshire with immediate effect. The former Zimbabwe captain's contract was due to expire at the end of 2007 but the club say they want to start planning for the future now. Captain Simon Katich and the existing coaching staff will take charge until the end of the current campaign.

In an announcement placed on the Derbyshire CCC website at 7am on Saturday morning, chairman Don Amott says: "I would like to thank David for his efforts over the past four years. His enormous experience has been of great benefit, particularly to the younger players we have coming through our system.

He has put in a tremendous amount of hard work during his time with Derbyshire and he is to be commended for dramatically improving the ability of our playing squad over the last couple of years and attracting players of real quality to the club.

This is an amicable parting of the ways after careful consideration by both David and the Club. We now need to look forward and build on what David has achieved and we will look very carefully at the best way to do that in the coming weeks."

50 year old Houghton, who took over at the County Ground in 2003, said "‘I am obviously disappointed to be leaving because I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here but this is the best way forward for both the Club and myself.

I hope to find another role in cricket before too long and wish Derbyshire every success for the future."

After another indifferent season for the County, it will come as no surprise to most supporters that Houghton is to go, but the sudden departure has left most supporters shocked. Speaking on this site's forum, Victoria Cross says: "Great shame. He has made a massive difference to the County." Meanwhile, unknown says: "It's not his fault the players have been playing crap, bring back Corky."

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