Coaching Staff

Coaching Staff

Karl Krikken - Head Coach

Former Derbyshire wicketkeeper Karl Krikken became the Head Coach at the County Ground midway through the 2011 season and after just a year in the job led the side to the LV= County Championship Division Two title in 2012.

Having served the club as an outstanding wicketkeeper for many years, Krikken then took charge of the Academy setup and coaching of the Second XI, before taking charge of the first team in 2011.

Krikken's side claimed the LV= CC Division Two crown on the final day of the 2012 season as Derbyshire claimed a famous six-wicket victory over Hampshire at the County Ground, securing their top-flight status for the 2013 campaign.

Scoring 5725 runs and claiming 557 dismissals behind the stumps during his 17 years as a player, Krikken celebrated 25 years with his only county in 2011.

Sponsored by: GCI

 Bowling Coach - AJ Harris

AJ Harris was appointed as Bowling Coach during the 2013 season after he previously held the role of Second XI Coach since the start of the 2011 season.

Harris enjoyed a 17-year first-class career predominantly with Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Beginning his professional career in 1994, the right-arm pace bowler took 451 career wickets in first-class cricket plus a further 223 in the limited-overs forms of the game.

Sponsored by: Team Brownett

David Houghton - Batting Coach

David Houghton has enjoyed two spells as part of the coaching staff at the County Ground and has been the first team Batting Coach since midway through the 2011 season.

Houghton represented his native Zimbabwe in 22 Tests between 1992 and 1997. The right-handed batsman hit 121in Zimbabwe's inaugural Test, against India at Harare in 1992-93, and compiled a career-best 266 - his country's highest Test score so far - against Sri Lanka at Bulawayo in 1994-95.

Zimbabwe's first Test captain, Houghton went into coaching after calling time on his playing career, taking charge of his national team and enjoying stints at the helm at Worcestershire and Derbyshire.

James Pipe BSc (Hons) MCSP HPC AACP - Lead Physiotherapist

James spent his formative years playing professional cricket for both Worcestershire and Derbyshire, making 198 first team appearances.

During his 15-year career he graduated as a Chartered Physiotherapist and has worked in a variety of clinical settings including the NHS, Private Practice and professional rugby.

As Lead Physiotherapist, he overseas Physiotherapy and Medical services for the Professional and Academy squads of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

He is also a member of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine (ACPSM) and The Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP).

Jamie Tallent - Strength and Conditioning Coach 

Jamie Tallent joined the Derbyshire County Cricket Club coaching staff ahead off the 2013 season following the departure of Luke Storey.

Stephen Stubbings - Second XI Coach

Stephen Stubbings took over as Second XI coach midway through the 2013 season after AJ Harris was appointed First Team Bowling coach.

Stubbings made a fond return to the Club he served as a player for 13 seasons from 1997 to 2009. The 35-year-old scored 7,557 first-class runs during his 139 match Derbyshire playing career. He was capped in 2001 and was twice a winner of the Club’s Player of the Year Award.

Since leaving the Club at the conclusion of the 2009 season, Stubbings has coached within the Cricket Derbyshire – University of Derby Academy and age-group setups as well as performing a player/coaching role with Alvaston & Boulton Cricket Club.

Head of Development - Howard Dytham

Howard Dytham is Derbyshire cricket's Head of Development, a role undertaken on behalf of Derbyshire County Cricket Club and Derbyshire Cricket Board Ltd.

The role combines the Academy Director role (DCCC) with that of Executive Manager (DCB). He has been at the County Ground for over 13 years and has fulfilled the role of Cricket Development Officer and Performance Officer in the past.

He is responsible, along with the other professional members of staff and key volunteers, for the delivery of the plan for recreational cricket across Derbyshire.

Howard is also a Level 4 coach and has many years experience in this area, working with players through from under-10 age group right through to the Derbyshire Academy and Colts XI.