Billy Godleman says being unable to interact with the Members at The Incora™ County Ground during 2020 was something the squad badly missed, and the Derbyshire captain is looking forward to catching up with supporters during the 2021 season.
The coronavirus pandemic saw all professional cricket in England played behind closed doors in 2020, while Derbyshire also played all of their games on the road as the club supported the return of international cricket, by having their home ground used as a bio-secure venue for a number of international sides.
Despite playing in empty stadiums, Godleman and the side enjoyed an impressive Bob Willis Trophy campaign, which saw them finish second in the North Group with the join-most points of any Division Two side.
With the 2021 County Championship fixtures announced, cricket will return to Derbyshire in April and Godleman is hoping Members will be back in the ground and driving the team on next year.
“To have the engagement and personal support from our Members would be welcomed immensely,” said Godleman.
“They really give us a lift when we play at home, the Members are always so supportive and we’ve really missed walking around the ground and catching up with them, because we are such a family-friendly club.
“The players and Members know each other personally, and they have supported us strongly on and off the field, and we really appreciate that. The prospect of being back close to them and engaging with them again is one that we’re really excited about.
“It will be nice to play in front of crowds again. It wasn’t too different in the four-day games (in 2020), but it felt strange to be playing Twenty20 matches, sometimes live on TV, in big empty stadiums.
“To have the atmosphere back, not just as players but for the game as a whole, so that people can support their teams again, will be great.”
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