By James Standley

Sutton took over as Derbyshire captain in 2004

Derbyshire captain Luke Sutton has confirmed he is leaving after six years at the County Ground.

"It's been a very, very difficult decision for me," the 28-year-old told BBC Sport.

"It's one I've definitely not taken lightly and people close to me know how difficult it's been."

Derbyshire boss David Houghton said: "Luke's a wonderful guy. He's been a great leader and a great player at this club but he needs to move on."

Houghton added: "He goes with our blessing and our best wishes."

Sutton said that a difficult time off the pitch over the past year had contributed to his decision to move.

"My girlfriend died in a car crash 12 months ago, so the last 12 months have been very traumatic for me," he said.

We wish Luke the best of luck and we'll follow his future with interest Derbyshire boss David Houghton

"It's now come to a time where I want to move forward with my life.

"I need a bit of breathing space to do that and a fresh start will help me move on with my life, and so that's the main reason behind my decision."

Sutton confirmed several counties were interested in signing him and he was planning to make a decision in the near future.

"I was enormously proud to captain the side for two years. Derbyshire, as a place and a cricket club, will always have a very special place in my heart.

"I owe the county an enormous amount and I leave with some very fond memories."

Houghton said Derbyshire fully understood Sutton's need to leave.

"Luke has always been one of those who's given 150% on and off the field for this club, but sometimes you have to have the interests of the player at heart," he told BBC Sport.

"In this particular instance Luke does need to leave and we just wish him the best of luck and we'll follow his future with interest."

The club now has to replace Sutton both as captain and keeper, but Houghton said they would be taking their time.

"We aren't going to rush into it. I'm sure we'll get plenty of applications from people who are interested in both the captaincy and the keeping position," Houghton said.

"We've got people in mind for those jobs but we'll wait and see."

After a spell with Somerset, Sutton moved to Derbyshire in 2000, taking over the captaincy in 2004.

During his first-class career Sutton has scored nearly 4,000 runs at 30.06, taken 167 catches and made seven stumpings.

In one-day cricket he has scored 1412 runs at just under 20, taken 101 catches and picked up 10 stumpings.