Lee Goddard leaves Derbyshire

Lee Goddard has left Derbyshire after the decision was taken not to renew the wicketkeeper's contract at the end of the 2010 season. With Tom Poynton currently nursing a finger injury, former Gloucestershire wicketkeeper Steve Adshead has been drafted in on a short-term basis to fill the wicketkeeping vacancy.

During his first stint at Derbyshire between 2003 and 2007, Goddard, 27 made a career-best 91 against Surrey and also set a record for the largest total against Derbyshire without conceding a bye when he kept a clean sheet against Essex as they scored 580.

He returned to Derbyshire after three seasons with Durham ahead of the 2010 campaign but he has now been deemed surplus to requirements at the County Ground. He played eight first-class matches this season, taking 24 catches and averaging 16.50 with the bat.

"We made the decision to sign Lee Goddard following James Pipe's retirement from the professional game and hopes were high that he could become a long term replacement," said John Morris, Derbyshire's Head of Cricket. "Unfortunately it hasn't worked out for him with gloves or bat so we are looking at alternative options."