I have no idea of his ability as a coach, but based on his extensive experience as a player, only recently retired, Chris Wright is an excellent choice as the new Derbyshire Men’s Assistant Coach – Bowling Lead.
He only stopped playing at the end of last season, at the age of 40, having helped to steer Leicestershire to promotion as champions. In a career that started at Middlesex, then took him to Essex and Warwickshire beforehand, he took over 600 first- class wickets, adding another 200 in List A and T20 cricket.
It is a new voice in the ear of the Derbyshire bowlers, one that will be respected after a career in which he was always reliable, steady and dangerous. He was selected for England Lions and, like several members of the Derbyshire staff, had a stress fracture of his back, so he can relate to the challenges of their roles in the first-class game.
Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, said:
We had an unbelievable amount of talent apply for this role, but it was Chris’ energy, enthusiasm and his ideas for how he can drive our project forward which impressed me most.
He’s a very promising coach and, as someone who was playing the game at a high level as recently as last season, he will be able to form a great understanding with our squad and continue the development of our bowling attack.
Our pieces are coming together for nicely for the new season, our red ball squad has been finalised and now our coaching structure is ready to hit the ground running in the new year. I’m very excited for next season and I know our supporters share that optimism.
Wright added:
I’m immensely excited to be joining Derbyshire. The squad is in a really strong place, and I’m
looking forward to working closely with our bowlers to help them continue developing their games.
I’m very familiar with the quality within this squad and well aware of the skills the players possess. Now it’s about refining our work through the winter and taking that next step towards promotion next season.
This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one I’m eager to embrace. Derbyshire is a club on the up, and the chance to work alongside a coach like Mickey Arthur is something any young coach would relish.
It will be interesting to see if he can get more from an attack that has undeniable talent but struggled at times over the past couple of seasons. The players will know what he can do and that he has been a respected operator in the county game for a long time.
Like all of you, I wish him well.
What a great end to 2025 we have had!
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