Sussex bowling coach James Kirtley to leave after seven years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 12:38 · Archive

Sussex bowling coach James Kirtley will leave his job at the end of October after seven years.

James Kirtley is to leave his role as Sussex bowling coach at the end of October after seven years. His departure is part of what the club called a 'restructure of the coaching staff'. Incoming head coach Matt Walker will lead the search for a replacement.

Kirtley, 51, spent 16 years as a player at Hove and won three County Championship and three white-ball titles with the club before taking up his coaching position in November 2019. He told the club's website: 'I leave Sussex with a heavy heart, but also with my head held high. I take real comfort in knowing the team is in a stronger place and that, alongside many others, I played a part in helping to make that happen.'

Kirtley's departure follows the exits of head coach Paul Farbrace, who is moving to Lancashire as director of cricket, and batting coach Grant Flower, who is switching to Surrey. Several players, including Lions bowler Henry Crocombe, are also leaving. Sussex operates under an ECB salary cap until 2028, imposed after 'sustained operating losses'.

How it is being reported

• Kirtley is latest to leave Sussex CCCBowling coach is latest in series of top names to leave Sussex Cricket in period of cuts and changesChichester Observer · 20 Oct, 12:28
• Sussex stalwart Kirtley leaves coaching roleSussex bowling coach James Kirtley will leave his job at the end of October after seven years in the role.BBC Sussex · 20 Oct, 12:21

In this story: James Kirtley · Sussex · Matt Walker · Paul Farbrace · Grant Flower · Henry Crocombe · Lancashire · Surrey

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