Derbyshire skipper Billy Godleman signs new deal

Captain Billy Godleman has extended his stay at the County Ground through to the end of the 2021 cricket season.

The length of the deal shows the faith the county hold in the 29-year-old, who joined the club in 2013 and was made captain in 2016.

Leading the team across all three formats, Godleman said he ‘couldn’t be happier’ to continue to work with his team-mates and the academy’s emerging talents.

“I really enjoy playing cricket for Derbyshire and it’s an honour to be Club Captain,” Godleman told the club’s website.

“We have a great group of guys here in the dressing room and behind the scenes who are all passionate about Derbyshire, and I couldn’t be happier to commit my future to the Club.

“We have a core group of experienced players and some very talented youngsters. We need to continue to encourage the development of our young guys, these will be the backbone of the Club in years to come.

“Together, we must now build on the progress shown over the last couple of years, continue to improve and compete for major honours.”

The news of the opener’s commitment fellows on from Wednesday’s announcement that batsman Ben Slater was leaving the county to move across the Midlands to Nottinghamshire.

So Derbyshire chief executive, Simon Storey, was pleased to keep the experience of Godleman, who has scored 9,795 runs in his career.

“We’re delighted that Billy has committed his long-term future to the Club.

“As Club Captain, he plays an integral part in our cricket strategy both on and off the field moving forward.

“He has shown for many years that he can perform consistently across all formats and we look forward to many more successful years ahead.”