Clare earns contract

Derbyshire have awarded all-rounder Jonathan Clare a one-year contract for 2008.

The 21-year-old seamer burst on to the scene with a five-wicket haul on his first-class debut and he has continued to impress in subsequent one-day matches.

Clare has waited for his opportunity in the first team whilst playing second XI cricket for since 2005.

Head of cricket John Morris said: “Jon is a talented young cricketer and I am delighted that he will be part of our squad in 2008.

“This one-year deal gives him a fantastic opportunity to show what he can do over the course of a whole season."

Clare said: “I am naturally ecstatic to have signed professional terms with Derbyshire and I am very grateful to the club for offering me this excellent opportunity.

“I have been pleased with the way I have performed since breaking into the side but the big challenge for me now is to maintain and improve on that performance throughout a whole season.”