Sussex swoop to sign Middlesex wicketkeeper John Simpson

Simpson, 35, was under contract until the end of the 2024 season, but the lure of a multiyear offer from Sussex led the two counties to agree his early release

Sussex have signed John Simpson from Middlesex, bringing to an end the wicketkeeper's 16-year association with the county.

Simpson, 35, was under contract until the end of the 2024 season, but the lure of a multiyear offer from Sussex led the two counties to agree his early release.

In all, he scored 13,195 runs for Middlesex after making his debut in 2009, with his 866 dismissals across formats making him the third-most prolific gloveman in the county's history. He played 448 times for Middlesex.

"This has been an extremely difficult decision; however, I believe the time is now right for me to embrace a fresh challenge, and I am excited by what lies ahead in future seasons at Sussex," said Simpson.

"It is for this reason that I have asked to be released from the last year of my contract at Middlesex, and I am grateful to the club for agreeing to this request. I leave Middlesex with so many wonderful memories, and so much respect and affection for the club, and everybody associated with the club, past and present."

Simpson, who played three ODIs for England as part of the Covid-impacted series against Pakistan in 2021, celebrated his testimonial year in a difficult 2023 for the club, with financial issues exacerbated by on-field struggles in red-ball and white-ball cricket.

Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace added: "I'm absolutely delighted John has chosen to join us at a vital time in our challenge to compete and be successful on the field.

^{Simpson claimed 866 dismissals for Middlesex (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

"John will be a central point of our progression bringing huge experience, calmness, a high level of skill and leadership. We are all looking forward to John coming to Hove and being a big part of the exciting future."

"It is always disappointing to lose players of John’s quality, however given our current circumstances, we were simply unable to match the long-term security that Sussex have been able to offer him over the coming few seasons," said Alan Coleman, Middlesex's director of cricket.

"John has been an outstanding servant to Middlesex cricket over the years and has given so much to the club over the last decade and a half. He leaves us on good terms, leaves behind many friends, and will always be remembered as one of the finest wicketkeepers to have played for Middlesex.

"Sussex, and Paul Farbrace especially, have approached this in a very professional manner, and when they first contacted us to enquire about John's contractual situational, as they were entitled to do, out of respect for John, we granted him permission to speak with them.

"John's departure leaves big shoes to fill, however also provides the other wicketkeepers within our squad with a terrific opportunity to step up and seize the gloves."

Middlesex have wicketkeeping options on their staff in Robbie White, Jack Davies and Joe Cracknell, while Daniel O'Driscoll was released at the end of the season, and The Cricketer understands that they were keen on bringing in James Bracey from Gloucestershire before he signed a new deal.

But the impact of losing Simpson, one of the safest pairs of hands on the circuit, may well force the county back into the market, having already brought in Leus du Plooy from Derbyshire.

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