Adrian Harms, BBC Radio Sussex’s cricket reporter

Paul Farbrace took a season to assess the weaknesses in the Sussex squad when he took the reins in 20023.

His assessment was stark, Sussex had forgotten how to win, and despite an array of young developing talent, they needed, in his words, ‘some gnarled old pros’ to bring the best from the squad.

Enter John Simpson and the rest is history – it’s doubtful there have been many more shrewd signings in recent Championship history.

As captain he led by example, immediately guiding Sussex to promotion as champions after a long nine-year absence from Division One, and the following season leading the club to a highly creditable fourth place finish.

This season, with the ramifications of financial mismanagement rumbling around the club, he has, as club captain, helped guide Sussex to their highest finish for 12 years.

His fitness has been exemplary, having not missed a Championship match during his time at the club, scoring an astonishing 11 centuries, averaging a shade over 50, and claiming 144 dismissals behind the stumps.

Simpson’s contribution to Sussex has been immense over the past three seasons, his departure a huge blow to the club, but his place in Sussex history is assured, and he will always be welcomed back to Hove with open arms.