Clarke Signs With Derbyshire

Derbyshire have signed all-rounder Rikki Clarke and named him captain of their 2008 squad.

The 26-year old debuted for Surrey in 2001, played two tests for England in Bangladesh in 2003 and the last of his twenty one-dayers in 2006.

Upon signing the two year deal with Derbyshire, Clarke emphasized one of his man goals was to earn further recognition.

'My ambition is to play for England again and I think Derbyshire is the best place for me to achieve that ambition.  The club is looking to move forward and that excites me.

'The chance to be captain played a part in my decision because I've always wanted to be a leader but I was more interested in where Derbyshire want to go.

'I could've gone to other counties that are regarded as bigger but this is a move that I hope will show people that I have character and have got something about me.

'If I concentrate on what I do and put in performances with bat and ball it will make it difficult for the selectors not to pick me.'

Derbyshire boss John Morris believes Clarke's arrival demonstrates the lofty ambitions of his team. 

'It's a big coup for this club.  It shows the intent we have and that we posess the right make-up to move forward.

'Rikki has ambition not only for himself but also for this club and that impressed me.  He will be a massive addition to our squad.'