Goddard returns to Derbyshire

Lee Goddard rejoins Derbyshire after making just one first-team appearance for county champions Durham in 2009

Derbyshire have re-signed wicketkeeper Lee Goddard on a one-year contract following three seasons with Durham.

The 26-year-old began his first-class career with Derbyshire in 2004, enjoying a run of four matches in the side in 2006 after James Pipe was ruled out with a finger injury.

Goddard averaged 52 during those games, scoring a fine 91 against Surrey and breaking the record for the largest total against Derbyshire in which no byes were scored: 580 against Essex.

A move to Durham followed where Goddard served as understudy to Phil Mustard, playing one first-class and three limited-overs matches. The last of those was his sole first-team appearance this season, away to Surrey in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Goddard hit the fastest first-class fifty in Durham’s history in his only first-class appearance, reaching the milestone in 32 balls against Sri Lanka A in 2007.

Derbyshire head of Cricket John Morris said: “It is great to have another young cricketer coming in to join us as we look to continue our progression in 2010.

“Furthermore, Lee has joined us having spent time at a successful club, Durham, and I hope that he will bring some of that winning mentality to Derbyshire.”

Goddard added: “It’s a pleasure to be back at Derbyshire and I am already looking forward to the new season.

“Three years at Durham have been a good experience for me and I believe that I am returning to the County Ground a better player that when I left.”

Durham chief executive David Harker said: “Lee has put in good consistent performances in the second eleven but due to the nature of his role as keeper opportunities in the first team have been scarce especially with Phil Mustard maintaining top form.

“With the long term development of the club in mind we felt that the time was right to bring in a younger understudy.

“We would like to wish Lee the best of luck with his return to Derbyshire and thank him for his contribution to the Durham side.”