After yesterday’s huge announcement, we take a look at how social media reacted to the news that Mickey Arthur has been appointed as Derbyshire’s new Head of Cricket.
The news broke from the Club’s official channels at 8am on Wednesday, and it quickly caught the attention of players, supporters and people across the cricketing world.
The story was picked up by Sky Sports, BBC Sport, ESPN Cricinfo, among others, while current Derbyshire players and coaches endorsed the appointment with enthusiasm. Assistant Coach (Bowling Lead), Ajmal Shahzad, described it as ‘a fantastic appointment’, as Wayne Madsen, Mikey Cohen and Dustin Melton all expressed their excitement.
Brilliant news for all involved with the club! Can’t wait to work with Mickey! https://t.co/1tv6Yb1vI7
— Wayne Madsen (@waynemadders77) November 17, 2021
Former Derbyshire players Kevin Dean and Luke Sutton endorsed the move, with the latter saying ‘Outstanding appointment – top man and top coach’. Dominic Cork paid tribute to the Club in his welcome for Arthur, describing it as ‘special’.
Congratulations @Mickeyarthurcr1 on becoming the new Head of Cricket @DerbyshireCCC. Good luck. It’s a special club https://t.co/7ysxovyJaa
— Dominic Cork (@DominicCork95) November 17, 2021
Away from Derbyshire personnel, the news drew attention from a number of high-profile figures in the game. Pakistan Lead Fielding and Wicketkeeping Coach, Atiq-uz-Zaman, tweeted his congratulations, former Kent player, Fabian Cowdrey, said ‘Wow what an appointment! It would be great to see Derbyshire develop & leadership is critical to that process!’.
Many members of Arthur’s players and coaching team within the Sri Lankan setup also wished him well in his new role.
Been blessed to work with @Mickeyarthurcr1 & have learned a lot from you! Thank you Mickey for giving me an opportunity to be a part of something special ? Good luck at @DerbyshireCCC, am sure you will take them to another level! https://t.co/Sj4gRQ3lTH
— Prad Navaratnam (@prad_nava) November 17, 2021
Thank you @Mickeyarthurcr1 , for believing, supporting, nurturing and encouraging me throughout this whole period.
You are not just a coach. You are a great gentleman and a true lover of the game. We will miss your passion and high spirits. [1/2] pic.twitter.com/ed0JjiFjoG
— Wanindu De Silva 49 (@Wanindu49) November 17, 2021
Thank you Mickey for everything you have done for srilanka cricket. One of the hardest working coaches you come across and one of nervous coaches when batting first? Go well coach all the best at @DerbyshireCCC @Mickeyarthurcr1
— Lahiru Thirimanna (@thiri66) November 17, 2021
However, the biggest reaction to the news came from our loyal Members and supporters, who expressed their delight through comments, tweets, gifs and more. Wisden Cricket received a resounding answer of ‘very!’ when asking if Derbyshire supporters were excited about the news, while the Club’s own social media channels were flooded with delighted responses.
— Adam Brett (@adam_brett111) November 17, 2021
For the final word on this news, we’ll leave it to our new Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur:
Thank you @DerbyshireCCC and can’t wait to make a difference! https://t.co/ch1nD5EGAX
— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) November 17, 2021
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