When Paul Farbrace steps down to become Director of Cricket on November 1, Matt Walker, the former head coach of Kent, will assume the position at Sussex.
Before going into coaching, Walker, 52, was a mainstay for Essex and Kent for 19 years, scoring over 18,000 runs in all formats. Prior to leading Kent to the Vitality Blast title that season and the One-Day Cup in 2022, he oversaw their promotion to Division One of the County Championship in 2021. He most recently worked as a batting coach for Warwickshire.
With Sussex in fifth place and facing significant challenges in a fiercely competitive Division One, he was appointed. However, the club is expecting a big shift in the off-season after the ECB put them under special measures for three years due to a £1.3 million deficit in their finances.
Despite being handed a new three-year contract, Sussex’s highly regarded fast bowler Henry Crocombe became the most recent player to leave Hove earlier this month. Farbrace stated in March that it was “now or never” for a gifted team of players to win trophies before an eventual departure.
However, Farbrace welcomed Walker’s entry as his coaching successor and decided to remain at Sussex to maintain consistency for the team during the changeover. We are thrilled that Matt has agreed to take over as our head coach,” Farbrace stated.
“Throughout the entire three-stage process, which involved some outstanding candidates from all over the cricket world, Matt continuously impressed. He was the obvious choice. He has a stellar reputation in the game and provides the necessary experience, vigour, and excitement. I’m incredibly excited to collaborate with him as we take on the challenges ahead of us and assemble a team that can win trophies.”
Walker’s coaching resume also includes a time spent with the England men’s team and in the Hundred with Oval Invincibles, which is now MI London. He declared, “I am extremely honoured and excited to have been given the opportunity to become Head Coach of Sussex Cricket.
“I have always respected Sussex, a club with a rich past. I was quite enthusiastic about the chance to work with Paul and this group of athletes and staff. As we work to assist Sussex compete for trophies, I’m excited to build on the solid foundation that has already been established. I’m eager to get going.”
Walker’s appointment follows earlier this month’s announcement of Ed Warner as Sussex’s new chair.
Following Jon Filby’s resignation in February, Sir Rod Aldridge, the club president, was replaced by Warner, the former chair of UK Athletics. One of the most crucial choices we had to make was selecting the best head coach,” Warner stated.
“Matt combines an outstanding track record with the leadership, experience and ambition we believe Sussex Cricket needs. “In addition to Paul’s ongoing engagement as Director of Cricket, this appointment provides us with a leadership team that has the background, consistency, and drive to advance Sussex Cricket. What Matt, Paul, and the entire team can accomplish together excites me.
