Footitt crosses the Trent

When fit, Mark Footitt posed a real threat for Nottinghamshire. He is seen here claiming a five-for against Essex in 2007

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Derbyshire have boosted their attack with the addition of former Nottinghamshire left-arm seamer Mark Footitt on a one-year contract for 2010.

The 23-year-old’s progress at Trent Bridge was held up by a number of injuries, leading to his release at the end of the 2009 season.

Footitt said: “This is a great opportunity for me to establish myself as a first-class cricketer and the first job is to work hard during the winter and through pre-season to earn a first-team place.

“I am stepping into a new and exciting challenge and I am now determined to prove myself at my new club. Hopefully that challenge can bring out the best in me.”

In all, the former England Under-19 bowler played just nine first-class matches for Nottinghamshire. His career-best haul is 5-45 against West Indies A in 2006.

But as the recipient of Notts’ Denis Compton Award for three successive seasons and selection for MCC in 2006 would suggest, Footitt does possess some talent.

Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris said: “Mark is the right age of cricketer for us and, although he has not played a lot of first-class cricket he has been around a county cricket environment for some time and is, therefore, an experienced cricketer.

“Having already served what I refer to as a cricketing apprenticeship at Nottinghamshire, he now has the opportunity to join Derbyshire and show us what he is about.”