Nottinghamshire sign John Simpson from Sussex on two-year contract
- Nottinghamshire have signed experienced wicketkeeper-batter John Simpson from Sussex on a two-year contract running until the end of the 2028 season, as reported by Cricket World.
- According to BBC Radio Sussex cricket reporter Adrian Harms, Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace identified a need for experienced leadership when he took charge in 20023, noting that...
- Before joining Sussex, Simpson spent over a decade with Middlesex, where he secured the County Championship title in 2016.
Nottinghamshire have signed experienced wicketkeeper-batter John Simpson from Sussex on a two-year contract running until the end of the 2028 season, as reported by Cricket World. The 38-year-old will be available to represent Nottinghamshire in the Rothesay County Championship and Metro Bank One Day Cup following a three-year stint at Hove.
According to BBC Radio Sussex cricket reporter Adrian Harms, Sussex head coach Paul Farbrace identified a need for experienced leadership when he took charge in 20023, noting that the squad needed what he described as some gnarled old pros
to unlock their young talent. Simpson answered that call immediately by captaining Sussex to the Division One promotion as champions in 2024 after a nine-year absence, following it up with a fourth-place finish and leading the club to its highest finish in 12 years during the recent campaign amid financial turbulence at the club.
Career Background and Move to Trent Bridge
Before joining Sussex, Simpson spent over a decade with Middlesex, where he secured the County Championship title in 2016. Born in Bury, he also earned three England caps during an ODI series against Pakistan in July 2021, claiming nine catches behind the stumps in a whitewash victory. Across his career, Simpson has accumulated over 14,000 First-Class and List A runs at a combined average of 34.44, alongside 144 dismissals behind the stumps during his tenure at Sussex.
Reflecting on his transfer to Trent Bridge, Simpson told Cricket World, I’m really excited to sign for Nottinghamshire and experience a new challenge in my career up at Trent Bridge.
He added, They’re a great team with some really good players who have obviously enjoyed some success recently, so I can’t wait to join up with them and keep challenging for honours.
Impact on Nottinghamshire Squad Roster
The arrival of Simpson confirms that South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne will not return to Nottinghamshire in 2027, after spending parts of the previous three seasons at the club. Nottinghamshire Head Coach Peter Moores explained the strategic impact of the signing to Cricket World, noting, John’s a quality wicketkeeper and batter, with a proven track record over the last few years.
Moores added, It’s a double-edged sword because we’ve loved having Kyle, and he’s been fantastic for us. The big difference by having John to play the same role is the flexibility that it will give us with our second overseas spot moving forward.
Simpson departs Sussex leaving a legacy of durability, having never missed a Championship match during his three years at the club while scoring 11 centuries and averaging just over 50 with the bat. While Adrian Harms noted that his departure is a major blow for Sussex, Simpson told Cricket World that he holds deep respect for Peter Moores and looks forward to chasing further trophies in new surroundings.