Derbyshire have named veteran all-rounder Graeme Welch as their new captain.


The former Warwickshire player replaces Luke Sutton, who left the club at the end of last season and has since joined Lancashire.


Welch, 33, was named Derbyshire's player of the year in 2005 after scoring 818 first-class runs and taking 60 wickets in a season where the team finished bottom of the Frizzell County Championship.


"I am very proud to have been asked to lead the side in what we see as a new era for the club," said Welch.





"While we struggled last season we also showed some signs of promise for the future and, with the young players we have coming through and the excellent signings we have made, we are confident of making real progress in 2006."


Australian opener Michael di Venuto, 32, will be Welch's vice captain.


Welch added: "I feel very honoured to have been given the responsibility of captaincy and I will do everything I can to make sure we are successful."


Director of cricket Dave Houghton said: "With Graeme and Mike di Venuto, who has been outstanding for us in recent years and has plenty of captaincy experience with Tasmania, we have a great blend to lead us this season."