Durham begin their push for promotion after relegation from Division One, with confidence high at media day ahead of the new season.
After a mixed 2025 campaign at the Riverside Ground, which saw relegation in the County Championship but a run to the quarterfinals of the Vitality Blast, Durham will be targeting an immediate return to the topflight.
At the club’s media day, TUXtra’s Jay Pinchbeck spoke to experienced all-rounder Colin Ackermann and new signing Archie Bailey to get their thoughts ahead of the new campaign.
Colin Ackermann admitted relegation from Division One was a difficult moment for the club, but insists the squad are focused on an immediate return.
He said: “It hurt everyone at the club. We don’t feel we deserve to be in Division Two — we see ourselves as a Division One side. A few things have been put in place this winter to set the record straight, and that’s the aim for this season.”
The Netherlands star comments highlight a clear sense of belief within the squad as Durham look to respond and push for promotion.
It seems promotion is the wider expectation, with the club entering Division two as one of the stronger sides. They made a strong account of themselves on their return to Division one back in 2024, finishing fifth with an equal number of wins and losses. However, the challenge now will be tuning that belief into consistent performances, as they target an immediate return.
New signing Archie Bailey represents part of Durham’s long-term plans as they look to rebuild following relegation from Division One. The 20-year-old fast bowler, who spent time with the club during last season’s One Day Cup, has now joined on a permanent deal ahead of the new campaign.
“It was amazing, it couldn’t have gone better,” he said.
“I got to know everyone before moving up here and it’s made the winter so much easier for me.”
Bailey’s comments highlight how quickly he has settled into the group, adding to the positive feeling around the squad ahead of the new season.
While the County Championship remains the primary focus, Durham will also look to build on last season’s strong Vitality Blast campaign, where they finished second in the North Group before being beaten by Hampshire in the quarter-finals. However, improvement will be needed in the One Day Cup after a sixth-place finish in Group B.
With a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, Durham head into the new season with both pressure and promise. After the disappointment of relegation, the focus is now firmly on response, with promotion back to Division One the clear goal.
