Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman John Simpson is wrapping up his time with Sussex and is set to join Nottinghamshire on a new two-year contract. This anticipated move comes as Sussex faces financial constraints. Simpson will contribute to Nottinghamshire’s County Championship and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup pursuits.
Making a significant impact at Sussex since transferring from Middlesex before the 2024 season, Simpson took on the captaincy duties and led Sussex to triumph in the Division Two Championship. During that victorious campaign, he amassed an impressive 1,197 runs with an average of 74.81. His leadership saw the team achieve a fourth-place finish in Division One the following season. Although he stepped down from the captaincy this year, he remained pivotal behind the stumps, ending his Sussex tenure with 2,864 red-ball runs at an average of 53.03, securing 11 centuries. Under his influence, Sussex reached the T20 Blast semi-finals in 2024.
Sussex concluded this season third in Division One, a notch above the defending champions, Notts. However, looming financial issues prompted the club to confirm the exit of several players, including Henry Crocombe, Tom Alsop, and Fynn Hudson-Prentice, as they entered special measures enforced by the ECB.
Expressing his excitement about the new venture, 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.”
He added, “I loved my time at Sussex, but I’m really excited by the opportunity to take in some new surroundings and work with a new coaching team. I’ve got a lot of respect for Peter Moores, and I know his teams are always driven to succeed, so I’m excited to experience that environment and hopefully win some more trophies.”
Simpson’s entry into the Nottingham squad signifies the end of Kyle Verreynne’s stint with the club. Verreynne, South Africa’s Test wicketkeeper, had spent three seasons with Nottinghamshire, famously hitting the six that sealed the Championship title in 2025.
Peter Moores, Nottinghamshire’s head coach, commented, “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 further praised Simpson, noting, “John’s reputation precedes him, having done brilliantly at Sussex and Middlesex, and we’re looking forward to getting him in amongst us. He will be joining a very good group of players, and we’ll be looking to come back stronger next season to have another go at the title.”
Simpson’s shift to Nottinghamshire ushers in a promising period for both the player and his new club.
