Barnett on his way out of Derbyshire (9 January 1999)
KIM BARNETT, the most successful batsman in Derbyshire's history and still, at 38, one of the most consistent runmakers in English cricket, was yesterday told he could leave with two years of his contract remaining as political infighting continued
09-Jan-1999
9 January 1999
Barnett on his way out of Derbyshire
By Neil Hallam
KIM BARNETT, the most successful batsman in Derbyshire's history
and still, at 38, one of the most consistent runmakers in English
cricket, was yesterday told he could leave with two years of his
contract remaining as political infighting continued to plague
the county.
A letter notifying Barnett yesterday recognised his "long and
valued service". Gloucestershire are now his likely destination.
But members already dismayed by Dominic Cork's threat to resign
as captain in an ongoing dispute over control of playing matters
will inevitably see Barnett as the victim of a contest of wills
which has strained relationships between committee and players
for the last 18 months.
Barnett confirmed: "My request for release was made in disgust
over the committee's treatment of me, the captain Dominic Cork
and other senior players and I am relieved to have the freedom to
consider other options."
What is certain is that plans for an Extraordinary General
Meeting and a vote of "no confidence" in the committee will be
accelerated by Barnett's departure.
David Griffin, organiser of a recent members' forum which
demonstrated overwhelming support for Cork and Barnett, said
yesterday: "Derbyshire are a laughing stock again and unless the
committee changes tack before the AGM on Jan 26, an EGM will be
called to ensure that Cork stays."
Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)