Nottinghamshire have secured the services of John Simpson, the seasoned wicketkeeper-batsman, who will leave Sussex at the conclusion of his contract amidst ongoing financial limitations at Hove.
Simpson, not long after signing a two-year contract, will lend his skills to Nottinghamshire in the County Championship and Metro Bank One-Day Cup. Arriving at Sussex from Middlesex before the 2024 season, Simpson made a significant impact by assuming the role of Championship captain and leading the county to a Division Two victory, amassing 1,197 runs at an impressive average of 74.81. Despite stepping down from the captaincy in subsequent seasons, his performance behind the stumps remained solid, ending his Sussex tenure with 2,864 runs in red-ball cricket, averaging 53.03 with 11 centuries, while also contributing to the team’s 2024 T20 Blast semi-final appearance.
Notably, Sussex concluded the latest season third in Division One, surpassing former champions Nottinghamshire. However, changes were imminent with several departures announced, part of an ECB-imposed reorganisation owing to financial challenges. Among those leaving are players Henry Crocombe, Tom Alsop, and Fynn Hudson-Prentice.
Expressing enthusiasm about his move, Simpson stated, “I’m really excited to sign for Nottinghamshire and experience a new challenge in my career up at Trent Bridge. 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.”
While Nottinghamshire sign Simpson, the move implies South African wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne won’t be returning next year, having played a pivotal role over the last three seasons, including the dramatic six that secured the 2025 Championship.
Peter Moores, the head coach at Nottinghamshire, praised Simpson’s calibre, saying, “John’s a quality wicketkeeper and batter, with a proven track record over the last few years… 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.”
Moores expressed high hopes, acknowledging Simpson’s stellar reputation at Sussex and Middlesex, and looking forward to integrating him into Nottinghamshire’s strong roster, with ambitions of reclaiming the title in the next season.
