Robinson leaves Sussex for England
Mark Davis named as Head Coach of Sussex Cricket as Mark Robinson leaves to take over as Head Coach of England Women’s Team
The ECB has today announced that Sussex’s Professional Cricket Manager Mark Robinson has been appointed as the new England Women’s Head Coach.
Following an ongoing review of the professional cricket coaching structure, Sussex Cricket can confirm that Mark Davis will become the county’s new Head Coach.
Robinson, who first came to Sussex as a player in 1997, went into coaching at the club in 2003 and in his first season as Head Coach in 2006, Sussex achieved the double, by winning both the County Championship and the C&G Trophy.
Sussex retained the Championship in 2007, with Robinson then guiding the county to an unprecedented period of one-day success, winning the Pro40 leagues in both 2008 and 2009, and the Twenty20 Cup for the first time in 2009.
Robinson, who will join the ECB next month in time to take charge of the England Women’s team before the tour to South Africa in the New Year, said, “I’m obviously hugely excited about my new opportunity, but it goes hand in hand with a lot of sadness too. To leave a job I enjoy, a club I love and so many people I respect and admire is going to be a wrench.
“There are so many people I need to thank in the next few weeks who have made my time at the club since 1997 a special one. The club and the supporters will always have a special place in my heart and I wish the club stability and every success for the future.”
Sussex Chairman Jim May said, “I would like to pay tribute to Mark for the outstanding contribution he has made to Sussex Cricket. As a player he was an invaluable member of the team who laid the foundations for our success in the early 2000s.
“Since his appointment, Robbo has been the most successful coach in Sussex Cricket history, winning the County Championship twice and many one-day competitions including our first T20 trophy. Mark leaves with our grateful thanks and best wishes.”
Sussex’s Chief Executive Zac Toumazi said, “Today’s news has mixed emotions for us as a club. We are sorry to see Mark Robinson leave us as he has been a loyal servant to Sussex Cricket. I am sure he will be a fantastic asset at the ECB.
“Following an ongoing review of our professional cricket structure, we are delighted to announce that Mark Davis will assume the role of Head Coach. This is a fantastic opportunity for Mark and chance for him to work closely with our newly-appointed captain Luke Wright.”
Davis made his Sussex debut in 2001 and took 188 wickets with his off-spin and made over 2000 runs across all three formats. He was appointed Second Team Coach in 2005 and has since been involved in continuing the Sussex tradition of bringing through homegrown players.
Davis said of his appointment, “I’m very excited and honoured to be taking over as the new Head Coach at Sussex, and continuing the work that Peter Moores initially began, and that Mark Robinson continued so brilliantly. I’d like to thank Mark for everything and wish him well for his future role.
“We will be working hard to continue with the values that Sussex stands for and to ensure that the county competes at the forefront of English cricket.
“We have a fantastic squad which has a good mix of youth and experience and we have some exciting challenges ahead. I am looking forward to working alongside our new captain Luke Wright.”
