Billy Godleman backs conference system
Derbyshire captain Billy Godleman has come out in favour of the conference system as long as it does not mean a reduction in the number of first-class matches over a season.
The Bob Willis Trophy saw a change in structure this campaign with matches being played in regional leagues rather than the usual two divisions.
"I'm a big fan of the conference format but with a couple of stipulations moving forward,” he said.
“I think the three conferences of six is a great way to keep more competitive cricket going for longer although I would have a strong preference for it not to be regionalised.
"If there was a way it could be done where there were three groups of six but it could potentially be seeded so we wouldn't be playing the same northern group teams I think that would work nicely.
"My only other thought on this is that if you play home and away in a conference of six that would work out at 10 games and for me personally, and from speaking to other guys in the game, I wouldn't want the number of first-class matches to drop.”
Head of Cricket, Houghton, says the resilience shown by the players has been a huge positive, and believes the confidence from the Bob Willis Trophy will flow into next year.
“I thought this season was some of the best four-day cricket we’ve played since I’ve been back,” Houghton said.
“There was a lot of positives, especially when you consider most of our bowling attack has first-class appearances in the single figures before this season, and they’ve produced the goods."