Devon chairman explains why county have engaged Trego and White as first professionals for more than 40 years

Wayne White bowling flat out for Leicestershire during his stint at Grace Road

DEVON CCC chairman Neil Gamble has given a detailed explanation why the county club will be using professional players for the season ahead.

Somerset all-rounder Peter Trego is the principal signing with former Lancashire and Leicestershire all-rounder Wayne White as his deputy.

Trego remains on a white-ball contract with Somerset, which will preclude him playing in all Devon’s three-day, one-day and T20 games. White will only play when Trego is not available.

Devon chairman Neil GambleProfessionals are common in Minor Counties Cricket – and some counties have more than one on their books.

Devon have not had a contracted professional since 1976 when former Hampshire and England fast bowler Bob Cottam was engaged.

Gamble said a combination of factors persuaded the Devon committee it was time to look outside the county boundaries for a paid player.

Said Gamble: “Given the stepping down of Josh Bess, Scott Barlow, Gary Chappell and the possible non-availability of other senior players, the committee agreed for the first time in more than 40 years to seek a professional for the 2019 season. 

“Advertising on our own website, and that of the Professional Cricketers Association, yielded some interest. 

“It was hoped the former Lancashire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire all-rounder, Wayne White, would fill the bill, but it was soon realised that he would not be in a position to make a round trip of over 450 miles regularly on Saturday evenings from the North West, after playing as a professional for Leek in the North Staffordshire League. However, it was hoped that he might be able to play some of our matches.

“Peter Trego, the fine Somerset all-rounder on a restricted 2019 contract, let it be known he would be interested in playing for Devon this summer when not required for white-ball cricket by Somerset.

“It was felt acquiring a combination of the two players’ services could result in covering of most of the 25 days’ cricket to be played by Devon in the coming season.

“We believe the dovetailing of Trego, who had an excellent Somerset one-day season in 2018 and who has played Minor Counties cricket for Cornwall and Herefordshire, and White, who did very well for Cheshire in 2017-18, and bowled the final over of the KO Trophy last summer to deny Devon victory in the KO Trophy, makes a very good combination. 

Peter Trego“Further, Mitchell Pugh the good Torquay all-rounder is now English qualified and we are in the process of registering him for the coming campaign. 

“And Somerset have approached us to consider signing for Minor Counties’ cricket two talented young players with England U19 connections: Kasey Aldridge and Ned Leonard.”

Devon have been strong performers in white-ball cricket in recent seasons, but have under-performed in the three-day game. Gamble said the management want that to change.

“Devon are determined to do well in both one day and Championship cricket in 2019 and need to be among the top-five teams in the Western Division of the Championship to secure a place in the top section of the Western Division for 2020,” said Gamble.

“It is believed, having performed disappointingly in the Championship in recent years, that the replacement of several key players is sensible and only what our new captain. Matt Thompson, and our highly supportive members would have hoped we would do.”