Club Captain Billy Godleman says the signing of Ravi Rampaul will bring the extra firepower and experience with the ball that Derbyshire need for 2018.
Rampaul, who has represented West Indies in over 100 internationals, has joined the Club on a three-year deal as a non-overseas and will be available for all formats.
Godleman was pleased with the progress Derbyshire made in 2017, but insists a lot of hard work is ahead, and Rampaul will play a leading role as the Club look to kick on further.
He said: “On reflection from this year, a real key area we wanted to strengthen was the new ball bowling, and it’s great that we have been able to attract a player like Ravi.
“Ideally we would like to have a couple of experienced, highly-skilled new ball bowlers across all forms, and Ravi will add to the talent we already have.
“We saw what Hardus Viljoen can do at Hove, and with youngsters like Will Davis coming through and others, we should now be in a better place for 2018 when you add Ravi into the mix.
“We understand that new ball bowlers is something all counties are on the lookout for, so to get this sorted early is a big bonus for us as plans for next summer continue.”
Godleman added: “It’s without doubt that we have made progress this year, but we can’t just be satisfied with this.
“We secured three Specsavers County Championship wins, but all away and none at home. It’s been a very long time since we’ve won at The 3aaa County Ground. We need to do more to cater the conditions here around our strengths.
“But it was fantastic to be a part of our T20 Blast campaign and the strides we made. Going from a team that can only register a handful of wins that is huge progress.
“As I have said, this must motivate us now next summer to go on further and that will be our focus for the next six months.”
The Club has announced that Membership prices remain frozen for the 2018 season, with Club Membership only £139 if purchased before the 1st February Early Bird deadline.
“It’s great that the Club has frozen its Membership prices and a reward for Members for their terrific support. It is much appreciated and really inspires us to achieve.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Members for your support in 2017. We want to build on the positives of this season and we hope you can join us once again.”
Price freeze for 2018. Club Membership will once again offer one great value price for all in 2018. Join today for only £139, if purchased before 1st February Early Bird deadline.
