Coaching role changes ahead of ’23 campaign

Three Warwickshire coaches have started new roles ahead of the 2023 season. 

Tony Frost, Mo Sheikh and Ian Westwood will all support First Team Coach Mark Robinson alongside Bowling Coach Stuart Barnes.

Westwood, a lifelong Bear who enjoyed a 15-year playing career, captaining the side and figuring in two championship title wins before entering the coaching ranks, has moved from Second XI Coach to Assistant Coach. 

Sheikh, who was appointed Second XI Bowling Coach and Assistant Coach last year, will move up to Second XI Coach with support from Andrew Sutton – the new Pathway Bowling Coach.

Sheikh played almost 100 times for Warwickshire across all formats, taking 118 wickets, before signing for Derbyshire in 2004.

He returned to Edgbaston in 2015 as part of the Performance Pathway coaching team where he supported the development of academy graduates including Henry and Ethan Brookes, Rob Yates, George Garrett and Dan Mousley. 

Frost, another Bears stalwart, will hold the title of Lead Batting Coach. Following a 12-year playing career as wicketkeeper/batter with the Bears, ‘Frosty’ spent spells on the ground staff before moving in to senior coaching responsibilities in 2013.

The 47-year-old will work with batters across the first and second team as well as the pathway.

“I’m really pleased for all three of them, as not only are they good people, but excellent coaches,” said Robinson. “Working with them daily, I can see their passion for the Club and I know how much Warwickshire means to them.

“The experience they have picked up within their cricketing career is vital and I know how driven they are to share that and develop the cricketers we have within our system. Each one all played a big part in the Bears history with their distinguished careers, and this is now the next stage in their journey.

“I’m really excited for the season ahead and I feel we have a strong coaching group. Stuart joined us over the winter, and he has settled into Edgbaston life seamlessly. 

“Gavin Larsen is due to arrive later this month as Performance Director and he is fully supportive of the changes and looking forward to joining up with the Bears family.”