WAVELL Hinds hailed Derbyshire's ambition as he signed a new contract to return to to the county for the 2009 season.

At the end of a week which has seen two players move out, head of cricket John Morris has secured an important element of his squad for next season by re-signing the West Indies batsman.

"I have enjoyed my first season immensely and I am therefore very pleased that I have been offered the opportunity to return in 2009," said Hinds.

"We have a talented group of players here and ambitious plans for the future.

"I am excited about being a part of that future."

Hinds, who will be 32 tomorrow, forms part of a triangle of experienced international players that Morris wants to build his side around. Charl Langeveldt is already contracted for next season and the county is negotiating to bring back Chris Rogers as their overseas player.

Although he has so far scored only three Championship half-centuries and averages just over 31, Morris believes Hinds brings a value to the squad that cannot be measured by statistics and says he expects the Jamaican's quality to be seen more often in big scores next season.

"This has been his first season in county cricket and I think he has found it quite tough but I think he has been fantastic," said Morris.

"He's been great in the dressing room with the rest of the lads, he has bags of experience and knowledge and a great presence about him.

"Nobody trains harder than he does, nobody practices more than he does and that's great to show those lads that's what you have to do.

"He's also done a great job for us with the ball at times and a good job with the bat without getting that big score that nails him on. At times, he has played some fantastic innings for us."

Morris picked out Hinds' innings of 54 against Glamorgan on Thursday, when he and Dan Redfern put on 79 to help Derbyshire out of a tricky situation, as an example of what he believes the player brings to the club.

"Although it was only a 50, the way he went about batting took all the pressure off the young lad and that's what you want from a senior player," Morris added.

"I think Wavell has been tremendous and I hope he will come back next year with the experience of a year in county cricket and kick on again."