Simon Kerrigan joins Warwickshire’s pathway coaching team

Warwickshire have appointed former Lancashire and England spinner Simon Kerrigan as its new pathway High Performance Coach.

Kerrigan – who retired from professional cricket last summer having spent four seasons with Northamptonshire – will work across the Club’s boys and girls programme from under 13s to under 18s and also assist coaching with the professional squad.

He spent 10 years with Lancashire (2008-18) and in 2011 played a lead role in their County Championship charge that saw them lift the trophy for the first time in more than 60 years.

That run to the title saw Preston-born Kerrigan take five wickets for just seven runs at Edgbaston and 9/51 against Hampshire in the penultimate game.

Now the 34-year-old – who is an ECB Level 3 qualified coach – is focused on developing the Bears’ spinning match winners of the future.

“I’ve begun working with around 10 spinners in the pathway and Academy and, from what I’ve already seen, the potential is certainly there for some to progress into the first team,” he said.

“I still have a hunger for cricket, for spin bowling and I enjoy coaching. I spent my last year at Lancashire coaching through the pathway age groups so have solid experience under my belt plus I also coached during a year away from the game before joining Northants.

“I didn’t think I’d get a position like this so soon after retiring. I’m very fortunate to be here at Edgbaston and hopefully I can bring on this crop of exciting young talent.”

Left arm spinner Kerrigan – who took 364 First Class wickets in 125 matches – has played for England Lions, including one tour to Sri Lanka led by Bears First Team Coach Mark Robinson.

He made one full England appearance in the fifth and final Ashes Test of 2013 alongside Chris Woakes who was also making his debut.

“I’ve been around a while,” laughed Kerrigan. “Woakesy went on Lions trips with me and we made our England debuts together 10 years ago, and I really enjoyed working with Robbo on the Lions trip.

“I’ve not started working with the pro spinners yet or the women and girls teams. That will start in the New Year. But I wanted to start as soon as possible to get some work in before Christmas and get to know all the players and staff.

“At times working with pro players is more about reassurance and confidence because the ability is there, you’re perhaps just making a few tweaks. But with the pathway you’re making proper technical adjustments and enhancing game awareness.

“It’s really rewarding watching the young players taking on board advice, wanting to learn and hopefully playing a part in helping them progress to achieve their dream of playing professional cricket.”

Warwickshire’s Head of High Performance Paul Greetham, added: “It’s fantastic we’ve been able to add someone of Simon’s caliber to our youth coaching team. He comes with a wealth of top level playing experience and has been a Level 3 coach for several years.

“The girls and boys in our pathway programme will benefit immensely under his guidance.”