Robinson: We won’t rush decision to find next Captain

Warwickshire First Team Coach Mark Robinson said the Club won’t rush to appoint a new Captain following Will Rhodes’ decision to step down from the role.

Rhodes called time last week on his four years as Club Captain, describing his tenure as an “unbelievable honour” as he moves into the ranks for next season.

Robinson said the announcement wasn’t a shock as the 28-year-old – who’s played 148 games for the Club across all formats, scoring 5,982 runs – had declared his intention to step down in September.

But he said the Club will still take its time on selecting a replacement and ensuring they find the right person to take the Club forward.

He said: “We’ll take stock, there are a couple of people internally who could step up and also we’ll take a look to see if there is anyone from the outside that we might want to bring in. 

“We’ll take our time. It’s an important decision. We’ll give it the due thought and diligence it deserves and it could be that we announce an appointment close to the start of next season.

“The Club’s got a winter to decide what direction we want to go to in, be it a short term direction or long term direction.

“Warwickshire is a big Club, an exciting Club, and we’ve got to do what’s best for the players, the Members and the fans.”

Rhodes is one of only seven captains to lift the County Championship trophy at Edgbaston. 

Robinson said he’ll go down in Club history for bringing home the red ball pennant and thanked him for his support.

“Will plays his cricket on the front foot,” added Robinson, “and in his captaincy he leads from the front. So whoever comes in will have to lead and challenge in the same way.

“Anyone who’s been a Captain, or worked closely with one, understands how much goes into it, how much they take home. They don’t just take their own performance or thoughts home after a game, they take away the performance of 10 other players as well.

“Captaincy can take its toll, especially if it’s someone new to being the lead man, you don’t know with total certainty how they will handle the additional pressure. 

“Some people thrive given the opportunity to lead but for others the burden of responsibility can weigh heavily and drag them down. 

“Since Will said he was considering stepping down, we’ve had continuing conversations to make sure it’s what he wanted to do. We respect his decision and what he’s given to the team, professionally and emotionally. 

“I’ve plotted and planned with Will over the years, I’ll miss him a lot and I thank him personally for the support he’s given me and the wider Club. He’s the ultimate professional and I have no doubt he’ll do his utmost for whoever succeeds him in the role.”