Needham ends playing career

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Derbyshire have agreed to release Jake Needham from his playing contract in order to take up a new role at the club.

The 25-year-old all-rounder, who made his debut in 2005, has ended an eight-year professional playing career in favour of joining the county’s media and marketing department on a part-time basis.

"I felt it was the right time for me to look outside a playing career in county cricket," retiring Derbyshire all-rounder Jake Needham explained

Needham, a former England Under-19 international, said: “I felt it was the right time for me to look outside a playing career in county cricket. It is, therefore, with great optimism and enthusiasm that I take a position working behind the scenes with the club.

“Karl Krikken and the rest of the club have been fantastically supportive throughout this period and I would like to thank them all sincerely.

“I’ve been involved with Derbyshire since playing junior cricket at the age of 11 and it’s no secret that I have a great affection and affinity for the place and the people. I am, therefore, relishing the chance to help the club in any capacity possible.

“I’d like to extend my best wishes to Karl, Wayne Madsen and the rest of the lads as they aim to build on a thoroughly successful and exciting start to the 2012 season.”

Chief executive Simon Storey added: “As we look to build on the team's positive start in the LV=County Championship this summer, we're delighted to be able to add Jake's experience and energy to the off-the field team here at The County Ground."

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