New Staffordshire signing Dan Lincoln is determined to use his vast experience to drive the county’s youngsters forward – while also adding more silverware to his collection.
The 30-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman has agreed an initial two-year deal with Staffordshire after ending his long association with Berkshire.
Lincoln enjoyed huge success with Berkshire and has picked up 20 honours during his time on the National Counties Cricket Association scene.
So it was no surprise that Staffs jumped at the chance to secure his services when Lincoln decided the time was right for a new challenge.
Lincoln admits, though, that his call to make the move north wasn’t an easy one.
“Yeah, it’s been an incredibly tough decision. I’ve spent 22 years at Berkshire, so it’s a club that means a huge amount to me. It’s not something I’ve taken lightly—this has been something I’ve been thinking about and ongoing for a while,” he said.
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“Ultimately, I just felt that now was the right time. There have been some changes in direction and expectations, and I didn’t feel there was the alignment needed for me to continue in the role the way I would want to.
“Nothing happens overnight, but I just felt things had moved in a direction that didn’t quite align with me anymore.
“I’ll always be proud of what I gave to Berkshire and what we achieved during my time there.”
‘Top achievements’
Lincoln has arguably the most enviable record among NCCA players.
He has been part of six Western Division title-winning sides, while also picking up the overall Championship crown on five occasions.
Lincoln is also a five-time Knockout Trophy winner and also helped Berks to the Twenty20 Cup title in 2018.
He’s also skippered England – made up of NCCA players – to the European T20 title on three occasions.
Lincoln currently captains the Challengers side, which is the National Counties Cricket Association representative team.
‘Familiar face’
Lincoln has crossed paths with Staffordshire captain James Kettleborough on a number of occasions and they are also team-mates on the Challengers circuit.
“Staffordshire is a club with a really strong history and a reputation for being well run and producing first-class cricketers, so it was an opportunity that really appealed to me,” added Lincoln.
“Speaking to the people there, it was clear there’s a strong sense of direction and alignment around how they want to move forward, which is something that was important to me at this stage.
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“I also have a very strong relationship with Ketts. He’s been fantastic – a true gent – and has really helped me bridge the move from Berkshire to Staffordshire. I’m genuinely excited to see what we can achieve on and off the field over the next few years.
“After everything, I felt I needed a fresh challenge and a new environment, and Staffordshire gives me that. It’s a chance to contribute, bring my experience, and hopefully help drive things forward, while also enjoying my cricket again.
“It just felt like the right fit at the right time.”
‘Fine record’
Lincoln, who has played professionally for Middlesex and Kent, has an outstanding record at NCCA level.
He has scored almost 4,500 runs, which includes five centuries.
Lincoln isn’t just a one-sport man, either, and still plays semi-professional football for Bognor Regis Town.
He has previously represented the likes of Truro City, Dorking Wanderers and Slough Town.
And he says the nuggets of information can be passed on to Staffordshire’s younger players in the coming seasons.
“Absolutely. That’s something I’m really passionate about, and it’s always been a big part of how I see my role as a leader,” he explained.
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“I’ve gained a lot of experience in this area from captaining Berkshire and the Challengers over the last five seasons.
“I’ve also been fortunate to learn from some very good people across different levels of the sport, so if I can pass that experience on and help younger players develop, it’s something I take a lot of pride in.
“For me, it’s about creating an environment where players feel supported, challenged, and clear on what’s expected of them. If you get that right, you give younger players the best chance to improve and perform. Staffordshire are already well versed in this process, which shows in their strong track record of bringing players through, so it’s something I’m really looking forward to contributing to.”
‘New faces’
Lincoln is not the only new recruit to Staffordshire’s squad this summer.
Herefordshire duo Sam Keeling-Wright and Ollie Walker – who were both born in the county and play for Staffs clubs – have been signed.
And that raises hopes that trophies can be landed over the course of the campaign.
“Silverware’s always nice. The team has some fresh faces this year, and I’m confident Ketts has the environment spot on and well gelled,” added Lincoln.
“With that in place, hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”
Staffordshire cricket committee chairman Richard Harvey believes the county’s standing in the game helped to attract Lincoln.
And he insists that the opportunity to recruit one of the most successful players in NCCA history couldn’t be overlooked.
Harvey said: “Signing a player of Dan’s stature on the National Counties circuit is really exciting. What makes it particularly pleasing is that he’d clearly recognised Staffs as one of the leading counties and was keen to become part of our set up.
“It’s testament to the work Ketts and the coaching team have done to establish Staffs as such an attractive proposition.
“When a player of Dan’s quality comes knocking it’s important to consider the impact he could have not only short term but for the continued strength of the squad.
“And signing Dan on a two-year deal is a commitment from both parties to future proofing this level of quality for a period of time.
‘Development time’
“He is keen to work with our players to help individuals develop their skills, so not only are we getting one of the best players in the competition we’re also getting someone who is willing to invest time and energy into helping develop our existing players, to create a team that will continue to raise its own standards and expectations over the coming seasons.
“Getting the balance of experience and young talent in the batting line up is vital and this is an area, particularly in the 50-over competition, that we feel we can improve. With some players not featuring in all formats, adding a high-quality player to the ranks is a huge fillip.”
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Harvey is now relishing the prospect of an exciting season after a winter of preparation.
Head coach Chris Milward and assistant Pete Wilshaw have overseen an intense programme which has showcased the talent available within the county.
While Lincoln has been signed from outside the area, a number of local league players have returned to the fold ahead of the 2026 action.
And Harvey says that bodes well for an exciting time on the field in the coming months.
“The winter programme has been extremely pleasing this year,” added Harvey.
“We’ve had a regular attendance of between 20 and 30 players, 1st and 2nd teamers and the standard has been high.
“We’ve welcomed back to the fold a number of the leading players from around the county and so the news of Dan signing, to add his level of quality and proven track record to the already impressive squad of players, sets us up well for the season ahead.”
‘Happy captain’
Staffordshire skipper James Kettleborough says he’s looking forward to playing alongside Lincoln.
He said: “The signing of Dan Lincoln will no doubt be huge news around NCCA cricket. As soon as we were made aware that he was available we certainly felt as a County we wanted to have a conversation with Dan at the very least.
“We acted quickly and I personally had a lengthy in-depth chat with Dan and on the back of those am really excited at securing Dan’s services.
“He’s going to a huge asset to the county both on and off the field as he his desire to help develop those around him is as equally high as his desire to win more silverware.”
Main image: Staffordshire have added to their squad ahead of the new NCCA season. Picture: David Peters