Nils Priestley leaves Derbyshire as trio sign new deals

Alex Hughes, Tom Wood and Mattie McKiernan all agree to contract extensions

Derbyshire have allowed Nils Priestley to depart the club after opting against offering a new contract.

The left-hander batter played four matches in the Royal London One-Day Cup, recording a best score of 25*.

But despite making a breakthrough into the first team, the 21-year-old is now looking for a new club.

Elsewhere, Alex Hughes and Tom Wood have both signed two-year deals to remain at The Incora County Ground.

Allrounder Hughes has turned out 238 times for Derbyshire since his debut in 2011 but was dogged by rib and side strain injuries this term.

Wood is rewarded with fresh terms after scoring the club's fastest List A century against Nottinghamshire.

Mattie McKiernan, meanwhile, has signed a 12-month extension after featuring across all three formats for Derbyshire in 2021. He was named Second XI player of the year after claiming three fifties and taking 11 wickets in T20 competition.

Chief executive Ryan Duckett, said: "These contract discussions have been ongoing for several weeks and we are delighted we have been able to retain all three players for next season.

“It was clear that Alex’s injury during the Vitality Blast was a big loss, while both Tom and Mattie have shown what they can do this summer, particularly in white-ball cricket.

“All other discussions regarding recruitment and retention will now be put on hold while the appointment of a head of cricket takes place.

"We aim to complete this process before the end of October, giving the new coach the budget and time to begin shaping the squad further ahead of the 2022 season.

“On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Nils for his efforts over the past two seasons and wish him the very best for the future.”