Johnson joins Derbyshire

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Wicketkeeper-batsman Richard Johnson has moved from Warwickshire to Derbyshire on a permanent deal.

After impressing in a brace of loan spells with the LV= County Championship Division Two winners this summer, Johnson, 24, has now penned a three-year contract with head coach Karl Krikken’s side.

The switch brings an end to his long association with Warwickshire, for whom he played 42 senior games across all formats after graduating from the club’s academy.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be signing,” said Johnson. “When I came here on loan earlier in the summer I fitted in really well, the lads were great to be around and everyone at the club treated me brilliantly.

Richard Johnson is excited by the prospect of regular action at Derbyshire. "The opportunity ... was one that I couldn't turn down," he explained

“Whilst I've had to make a difficult decision in moving on, the opportunity to play more first-team cricket in Division One for Derbyshire was one that I couldn't turn down. The club has great ambitions to build on last year's promotion, so I'm really looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Krikken expressed his joy at Johnson’s arrival, which provides welcome competition for Tom Poynton.

“I'm delighted to welcome our first signing of the close season as we pursue our aim of becoming a stable Division One club in 2013,” said Krikken.

“The addition of Richard adds to our batting and wicketkeeping options at a time when intensifying competition for places is very important.”

Ashley Giles, Warwickshire’s director of cricket, admitted he could see the reasons for Johnson’s departure from Edgbaston.

“It's sad that we're losing such a talented homegrown player as Richard, who is very popular with everyone here at Warwickshire,” said the former England spinner.

“However, we cannot stand in the way of someone's ambitions to play more first-team cricket, so he leaves with the best wishes of all players and management at Warwickshire and I'm sure that he'll also enjoy a successful career at Derbyshire.”

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