Houghton to leave Middlesex and join Derbyshire as head of cricket

The 61-year-old, who has previously enjoyed two other stints on the staff at the County Ground in Derby, will be responsible for all forms of cricket management at the county once he makes the switch at the end of the season

^{Dave Houghton is swapping Middlesex for Derbyshire}

Derbyshire have announced the signing of Dave Houghton as their new head of cricket.

Houghton, the former Zimbabwe international, will move from Middlesex, where he has been batting coach.

The 61-year-old, who has previously enjoyed two other stints on the staff at the County Ground in Derby, will be responsible for all forms of cricket management at the county once he makes the switch at the end of the season.

Houghton said: "I have really enjoyed my time at Middlesex and I’m very grateful for their understanding.

"It has been a difficult decision, but the opportunity to take up the head of cricket role at Derbyshire was not one I wanted to miss.

^{Former New Zealand coach John Wright will advise Derbyshire in a consultancy role}

"I’ve had four outstanding years here at Lord’s, working with excellent players in a terrific facility and I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to work at Middlesex and at Lord’s.

"One of my lasting memories was being a part of the team that won the 2016 County Championship title."

Middlesex are now without both a batting coach and a head coach, after Richard Scott left the role earlier in the campaign.

The county say replacing Scott is the priority. After a successor has been identified, the process of replacing Houghton will begin.

Derbyshire, meanwhile, have recruited John Wright - who has coached their T20 Blast side in the past two seasons - in an advisory capacity. Wright will consult on "recruitment, talent identification and cricket strategy", according to a club statement.

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