Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has officially confirmed the signing of veteran wicketkeeper-batter John Simpson from Sussex on a two-year contract. Announced on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the agreement covers both the Rothesay County Championship and Metro Bank One-Day Cup formats, ensuring the 38-year-old former England international will remain active at Trent Bridge past his 40th birthday.
Over an impressive 17-year professional career, Simpson has accumulated more than 14,000 runs across first-class and List A competitions. His extensive background includes over a decade with Middlesex, where he famously claimed the 2016 County Championship Division One title, before making the move to Sussex ahead of the 2024 season.
A Decorated Spell at Sussex
During his initial season in Hove, Simpson made an immediate impact. He captained Sussex to promotion from Division Two as champions, ending a nine-year absence from the top flight. He also guided the club to a spot on T20 Blast Finals Day and helped secure a third-place finish in the County Championship during the 2026 campaign.
Reflecting on his departure, Simpson acknowledged his time on the south coast fondly. “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,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Peter Moores, and I know his teams are always driven to succeed.”
Strategic Shift for Nottinghamshire
Simpson’s arrival at Trent Bridge brings a definitive end to South African gloveman Kyle Verreynne’s tenure with Nottinghamshire. Verreynne played an instrumental role in helping the club capture the 2025 County Championship title, though his time was cut short in September following a call-up by Cricket South Africa.
Nottinghamshire Head Coach Peter Moores praised the acquisition of Simpson. He emphasized both Simpson’s athletic pedigree and the strategic flexibility the signing provides the squad moving forward.
“John’s a quality wicketkeeper and batter, with a proven track record over the last few years,” said Moores. “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.”
Career Background and International Experience
Born in Bury, Simpson boasts three One-Day International caps for England. He earned all three during a July 2021 series against Pakistan, claiming nine dismissals behind the stumps during a series whitewash.
With his veteran leadership, proven batting resilience, and exceptional glovework, Nottinghamshire expects Simpson to integrate seamlessly into a competitive dressing room. The club aims to challenge for domestic honors when the new season begins.
