Warwickshire coaching restructure after High Performance Review and need to embrace new professional teams

Warwickshire County Cricket Club has unveiled a major restructure of its coaching and support staff set-up following a detailed High-Performance Review which looked at the men’s performance over recent years as well as the need to integrate a professional Bears Women’s team and Birmingham Phoenix into the Edgbaston set up.

As part of the restructure Mark Robinson leaves his role as First Team Coach – which he’s held for four years – by mutual consent.

Former Assistant Coach and lifelong Bear Ian Westwood takes over first team affairs with immediate effect and will focus on preparing the team ahead of the new season start on 4 April.

The 42-year-old made more than 250 appearances for the Bears across all formats, including 159 First Class games in which he scored more than 8,000 runs.

Other changes include ex-England international Simon Kerrigan moving from the Academy to be 2nd XI Coach and offer specialist spin bowling support. Stuart Barnes remains as Bowling Coach and the Club is currently talking to a replacement Batting Coach for the men’s team.

Laura Macleod continues as Head of High Performance for Bears Women, working with First Team Coach Ali Maiden.  Following the club retaining 51% majority ownership of Birmingham Phoenix, this will also be integrated into the new high-performance structure from 2026.

Former Batting Coach Tony Frost takes up a new Head of Cricket Operations role to oversee all men’s operations including grounds maintenance, Portland Road, Edgbaston’s Indoor Cricket Centre, and Rugby School matches. He will also enhance the club’s Data & Analysis capability.

Paul Greetham switches from the Academy’s High-Performance Manager to take up the role of Head of Athlete Performance.  The newly created post brings together all the team’s medical, physiotherapy, sports psychology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning departments to ensure players operate at the peak of their physical and mental capabilities. Greetham will also oversee the Bears county age groups, supported by a new Boys Pathway Lead.

The Club is also close to appointing a new Performance Director following the departure of Gavin Larsen over the winter.

Warwickshire Chief Executive Stuart Cain said: “It’s no secret we’ve been disappointed in our men’s performance in recent years. We also wanted to proactively address the biggest changes the game has seen in a decade with the long-overdue formation of a professional Bears Women’s team and the integration of Birmingham Phoenix into our elite set-up.

“It was important not to make a kneejerk response to last season. We allowed time for a thorough analysis of our high performance structure and worked with the Club’s Cricket Audit Committee and Board to create a new approach that recognises the need for improvement and also addresses the challenges created by moving from managing one professional team to four, playing four different formats of cricket.

“Robbo has worked hard for the Bears since joining in 2021 and we shouldn’t underestimate his achievement in winning the County Championship in his first season. He is a quality coach and will be an asset to any club.

“However, considering recent performances and feedback from the review, we felt it was time for change. Ian Westwood is a Bear through-and-through. He understands our history, culture, and DNA. He is competitive, structured and a quality leader having previously been Club captain and 2nd XI Coach. He understands how to win red ball matches as well as the demands of white ball, having most recently coached at Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20.

“The new Head of Cricket Operations role means we have somebody focused on running the machine, making sure everything from hotels and kit through to wickets and the indoor centre are set up to support the players and ensure there are no distractions or frustrations. Frosty will take over from the retiring Keith Cook who has given such incredible service to the Club for more than 50 years.

“And the new Athlete Performance role is all about helping the players develop and achieve their maximum potential, physically and mentally, alongside the coaching team crafting them into better players and a winning team.

“We will also invest in an enhanced Data & Insight function, creating an evidence-based culture when it comes to player recruitment and retention, squad selection, game planning and competition strategy.

“We’re confident this new structure gives us the skills, resources and focus needed for the men’s and women’s teams to put themselves in a position to win domestic tournaments, as well as develop local talent from the many diverse communities that surround Edgbaston.”

Robinson said he’d loved his time at Warwickshire and thanked the players and staff for their support.

He added: “There are many things we’ve celebrated during my time as a Bear, and things we know could have gone better.

“Winning the Championship was a huge highlight, as was overseeing our T20 team from one that was struggling to qualify to one that topped the group three years running.

“Losing the quarter final last year hurt badly but I’m sure it won’t be long before the boys take that next step to silverware.

“Seeing two Academy boys, Bethell and Mousley, go from regular Bears players to making their England debuts made everyone, myself included, very proud.

“Lastly, thank you to the supporters who are the most important part of the  club for your support. I know it will only be a matter of time before you get the success you deserve.”

Westwood thanked Robinson for his support and described the opportunity to lead his hometown Club as a huge honour.

He said: “It’s a real honour to be appointed First Team Coach at Warwickshire, a Club that is so close to my heart and is very special to me.

“With the season fast approaching, I can’t wait to get started with the players and work with this talented group to see what we can achieve this year.”