Alex Hughes retires from playing to take up Derbyshire coaching position

The 31-year-old made six first-class centuries and was the county's player of the year in 2017, as well as becoming the county's leading wicket-taker in the T20 Blast

Derbyshire allrounder Alex Hughes has retired from playing to take up an analyst and support coach role with the county.

Hughes, a graduate of Derbyshire's academy, enjoyed an 11-year career after making his debut in 2011, during which he became the club's leading T20 Blast wicket-taker.

The 31-year-old also made six first-class centuries and was the county's player of the year in 2017.

In a statement, he thanked former captains and long-time teammates Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman for their "support, guidance and loyalty" and described the las decade as "a true childhood dream".

Mickey Arthur, Derbyshire's head of cricket, added: "Alex has been a top professional for Derbyshire and has had a great career – he should rightly be commended on his longevity with the county.

"He now becomes a key part of our coaching setup ahead of next season, helping along our younger players with the insight of being a recent player."

^{Hughes made his debut in 2011 and will remain at the club in a coaching capacity (Tony Marshall/Getty Images)}

Part of Hughes' new role will see him work with the second team, while also assisting Arthur's coaching staff.

His internal move is the latest part of a busy winter for Derbyshire, who have released seamer Mikey Cohen, re-signed Brooke Guest to a long-term deal and added Scotland spinner Mark Watt, Nottinghamshire fast bowler Zak Chappell and Warwickshire's Matt Lamb.

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