Sutton takes Derbyshire reins

Luke Sutton recently rejoined Derbyshire from Lancashire and has now been appointed captain at the County Ground

Derbyshire have appointed Luke Sutton as their captain for the 2011 season.

The 34-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman recently returned for a second spell at the County Ground after five seasons with Lancashire.

Sutton had previously represented Derbyshire from 2000 to 2005 and skippered the side for the final two years of that stint.

He takes over from Greg Smith, who was in charge for the final month of last season after Chris Rogers stepped down and subsequently signed for Middlesex.

Sutton said: “I am delighted to have been handed the opportunity to captain a talented young team and I’m very much looking forward to the challenge.

“I am passionate about making Derbyshire successful and I have a lot of experience that I hope can guide some of the younger players as we strive for success in 2011 and beyond.

“My aim is to lead a side that is aggressive and competitive, treats every game importantly and competes at a very high level.

“I want to be part of a unit that isn’t coasting and is always pushing itself to keep improving.”

Derbyshire head of cricket John Morris added: “With the huge respect he commands from his team-mates and the vast experience he brings to the role, Luke is an excellent choice as Derbyshire’s captain.

“With the attitude of ultimate professionalism that he brings - and with the huge ambition to make Derbyshire successful that I know he has - he is the right man to take us forward.”