Wicketkeeper Lee Goddard will return to Derbyshire next season after a gap of three years as a replacement for James Pipe, who is retiring to take up the position as the club's physiotherapist.

Goddard began his first-class career at Derbyshire in 2004 before moving to Durham in 2007. His first-team opportunities were limited at The Riverside, with the presence of Phil Mustard, and he played just one first-class and three one-day games for the county.

During his previous stint at Derbyshire, Goddard made a career-best 91 against Surrey and also set a record for the largest total against Derbyshire without conceding a bye when he kept a clean sheet against Essex as they scored 580.

"It's a pleasure to be back at Derbyshire and I am already looking forward to the new season," Goddard said. "Three years at Durham have been a good experience for me and I believe that I am returning to the County Ground a better player that when I left."

Derbyshire's head of cricket, John Morris, said: "It is great to have another young cricketer coming in to join us as we look to continue our progression in 2010. Furthermore, Lee has joined us having spent time at a successful club, Durham, and I hope that he will bring some of that winning mentality to Derbyshire."