FORMER Worcestershire left-arm spinner Richard Illingworth has signed a two-year contract with Derbyshire.

The 37-year-old was released by the County in September after 19 seasons at New Road.

Illingworth had told Worcestershire that he was happy to play only in limited-over cricket next year, but Derbyshire want him to play a much fuller role.

They were keen to recruit another senior player and the arrival of Illingworth is seen as another stabilising influence in a dressing room that has seen many changes of personnel in the last four years.

Yorkshire-born Illingworth, who played in nine Test matches and 25 one-day internationals between 1991 and 1996, made most of his appearances for the County last season in limited-over games.

He took more than 800 first-class wickets during his time at New Road.