ChrisTaylor leaves Derbyshire

Chris Taylor has ended his association with Derbyshire © Getty Images

Derbyshire have announced a few changes to their playing personnel. Chris Taylor, the former Yorkshire player, asked to be released from his contract and will leave with immediate effect. Fast bowler Simon Cusden has been released, while Jake Needham has been granted a two-year extension to his current deal.

The club were disappointed that Taylor decided to part ways. Their chief executive, Tom Sears said: "We have made every effort to keep Chris at Derbyshire but ultimately we have had to allow him to leave which is very disappointing as he was part of our future plans." It's a far cry from Taylor's optimism when he joined the club. He sold his house in Leeds and said: "Hopefully I can have a long-term future at Derbyshire and win a few things."

Derbyshire are, however, delighted that they have secured Needham's services until the end of 2009 at least. Their new head of cricket John Morris said: "Jake is a young player with real potential and quality and I am delighted that he has committed his future to the club.

"Quality, young, English spinners are a rare commodity in the present day and we are lucky to have one as promising as Jake here at Derbyshire. Jake was actually under contract for another season but we felt that the progression he has shown this year was deserving of an improved and extended deal."

Meanwhile, Cusden, 22, joined from Kent at the end of last year, but has made only one first-class appearance. With his contract set to expire at the end of the current year, he has been allowed to leave immediately in order to explore his options for next season.