Derbyshire sign Mark Footitt on short-term loan from Notts

By Adam Ellis

Mark Footitt will return to the club he spent six years taking wickets for, after re-joining Derbyshire on an initial 28-day loan from Nottinghamshire.

The left-arm fast bowler claimed 251 wickets in 64 first-class appearances for Derbyshire, earning a four-year deal to join Surrey at the end of 2015.

Despite the highlight of being called up to England’s Ashes squad that year, Footitt’s hunt for a permanent place in the Test fold was hampered by injury after making the jump to Division One cricket at the Kia Oval.

Similar issues have blighted Footitt upon his return to his home county of Nottinghamshire, where he has been limited to one match in the County Championship and has played mainly for the second XI.

Described as a ‘good move for all parties’, Notts director of cricket Mick Newell it was important the player get game time.

“Mark’s pre-season has been affected by injury and we feel it’s a good opportunity for him to get out there and get some cricket under his belt,” Newell said.

“Our pace attack has started the season in fine form and Mark has found himself short of game time so far.

“Hopefully he can get some overs under his belt and come back ready to go when the season ramps up from June onwards.”

The 32-year-old’s switch to Derbyshire could see him sent straight into the team to play Warwickshire at Edgbaston on Thursday.