WARWICKSHIRE CCC have appointed former Lancashire and England spinner Simon Kerrigan as the club’s new pathway high performance coach.
Kerrigan, who only retired from professional cricket last summer, will work across the club’s boys and girls programme from under 13’s to under 18’s and also assist with 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.
Kerrigan said: “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.
“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.”
In Lancashire’s run to the title, Preston-born Kerrigan took five wickets for just seven runs at Edgbaston and 9/51 against Hampshire in the penultimate game.
The 34-year-old is an ECB Level 3 qualified coach and took 364 first class wickets in 125 matches.
Kerrigan also 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.
Kerrigan added: “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.”
