Munton to be vice captain in Derby shake up

Tim Munton is to take over as vice captain of Derbyshire for the 2001 season. The former Warwickshire and England seamer will take over from Karl Krikken, who has stood down in order to concentrate on his own game. Krikken has also resigned from his place on the Derbyshire cricket committee.

It is probable that Munton will lead the county for much of next season, with official captain Cork highly likely to win a central contract. Munton has a good pedigree for the job having often led Warwickshire during their glory years, while Reeve was absent injured.

While Munton, 35, is sure to be seen as a 'safe pair of hands' for the vice captaincy position, it is likely that his appointment will raise questions about why there are not younger, established players at the club following the exodus of recent years.

Krikken endured a difficult season, and may find it hard to regain his first team place from talented 23 year old Luke Sutton. Sutton came into the side half way through the season when Krikken was injured and impressed many judges with his batting and keeping.

Derbyshire have also decided not to re-engage several players. 25 year old all rounder Simon Lacey, 22 year old batsman Kasir Shah, 19 year old fast bowler David Ward and Ryan Eagleson are all to leave the club, though Eagleson will be given the opportunity to prove his fitness next summer following surgery to his back. Assistant coach Andrew Brown has also been released. Batsman Ben Spendlove has been told that he is free to approach other counties, as his opportunities next season are likely to be "limited."

New contracts were offered to Matt Cassar, Tom Lungley, James Pyemont and Lian Wharton. Extensions on existing contracts have been offered to Paul Aldred, Kevin Dean, Matthew Dowman, Tim Munton, Steve Stubbings and Luke Sutton. Rawait and Zubair Khan are to be retained, with help of a sponsorship scheme by local businessmen.