Weston quits to take up banking job

Derbyshire opening batsman Phil Weston has announced his retirement from the game after being offered a job in finance.

Weston, 34, arrived from Gloucestershire in 2007 having begun his career with Worcestershire in 1989. Over the winter he has been working with National Australia Bank under a scheme run by the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) and has recently been offered a permanent position.

"It has been a very difficult decision to finish my career, particularly after a disappointing season in 2007 - it is not the way I would ideally like to have ended my time in the game and with Derbyshire," he said. "As it is I have been offered an excellent opportunity through the work of the PCA and I have to look at my long-term future. I would like to thank everyone involved at Derbyshire for their understanding and wish the club well for the future.'

Chief executive Tom Sears said: "While we are naturally disappointed to lose a player of Phil's qualities and experience we can understand the decision he has made. Looking ahead, we will be working with our head of cricket, John Morris, to assess how the additional funds that have been freed up by Phil's departure can best be used to bolster our squad further."