Palladino secures Derbyshire move

Seamer Tony Palladino has signed a two year contract for Derbyshire after being released by Essex at the end of the 2010 season. Palladino, 27, started his career with Essex in 2003 and played 38 first-class matches for the county taking 86 wickets.

"I came to Essex straight from school in London at a young age," he said. "I can leave the club saying that I loved every minute of playing and I will be sad to move on. I have really enjoyed playing with all the lads during my time at Essex and there is a great set-up to play cricket."

Palladino struggled back from a dislocated shoulder in 2006, good performances for Essex's second XI earning him more game time in the senior team. He was not able to cement a place in the first XI bowling attack, however, and played just four first-class games in 2010.

"The move to Derbyshire is a fresh start for my career and I will be looking to cement more of a first team spot in the team. My opportunities in the first team at Essex were sporadic so more first team cricket is important for me.

"I am 27 years old and I believe I'm coming into the best years of my cricket career as a bowler and through playing at Derbyshire in the past, I am confident that the wicket will suit my bowling."