Derbyshire deal for Wagg
Derbyshire have strengthened their squad for the 2006 season with the signing of former Warwickshire all-rounder Graham Wagg on a one-year contract.
Wagg, who made his Warwickshire debut in 2002, has represented England at every level from Under 16 through to the National Academy and A tour to Malaysia and India during the winter of 2003/4.
The 22-year-old has been serving a ban imposed after testing positive for using cocaine in September 2004. The ban, imposed by the ECB, comes to an end in January and Derbyshire are keen to give the talented left-arm seamer and right-hand bat the opportunity to re-launch his promising career.
Wagg said: “I am delighted to have signed for Derbyshire and been given the chance to get my career back on track.
“I made a big mistake and admitted it straight away, I have taken my punishment and used the time to think long and hard about what I want to do with my life and my cricket career.
“I am determined to make the most of my second chance and I am excited by the opportunity here at Derbyshire.
“Having been out of the game for over a year and coming for talks at Derbyshire, there is a completely different feel and attitude at the club from what I remember.
“There is a real determination and positive approach from the people involved which is what convinced me that this is the right club.
“I have no doubt that I can fulfil my ambitions as a cricketer with Derbyshire, which are to be part of a successful side and push myself back into contention at the highest level.”
Derbyshire chief executive Tom Sears added: “We are delighted to have signed Graham. He is a player with an enormous amount of talent and will add a great deal to our squad.
“Throughout our discussions he has been very honest about the mistake he made, something he regrets a great deal, and he has a real hunger and determination to get his career back on track and fulfil his potential.
“I am sure he has learnt a great deal from what he has been through and he deserves credit for the way he has conducted himself since the incident. We have no doubt that he deserves this opportunity and I’m sure he will make the most of it.
“He is still very young and, with his all-round ability, he still has every chance of establishing himself as one of the top players in the country.”
