Malcolm to switch counties (4 Nov 1997)

4 November 1997

Malcolm to switch counties

By Neil Hallam

THE likelihood of Devon Malcolm leaving Derbyshire has increased after the weekend deadline for a decision passed with no new commitment from him to the county he has served since 1984.

Somerset and Northamptonshire yesterday served formal notice on Derbyshire of their intention to engage the England fast-bowler in contract negotiations.

Malcolm, out of contract since the end of last season, has been offered a new three-year agreement believed to be worth about £40,000-a-season to remain at Derby.

After meeting the player yesterday Victor Brownett, Derbyshire's chairman, said: "Devon has asked for more time to make up his mind. We originally imposed a deadline of the end of October for a decision, and there is no specific sticking point that I am aware of. I am doing everything possible to persuade him to stay."

Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Hampshire are other counties believed to be interested. The best offer is rumoured to be around £70,000-a-season.

Malcolm may be reluctant to court accusations of ingratitude at the end of a testimonial season likely to yield at least £200,000.

Leicester have confirmed they want Chris Lewis, the England all-rounder out of contract at Surrey, to return.

Glamorgan, the champions, have signed the Worcestershire reserve wicketkeeper Ismail Dawood, 21, on a two-year contract.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)