Kim Barnett to head new Derbyshire coaching structure

Derbyshire County Cricket Club has announced a new coaching structure and appointed Kim Barnett as Director of Cricket to implement the new model.

Following a comprehensive review of cricket from pathway to the first XI, the Club is introducing a new structure which, coupled with targeted recruitment of experienced senior players, is designed to give the Club the best chance of achieving both red and white ball success.

Barnett, who in his career spanning 24 years won six Lord’s finals, has been appointed Director of Cricket and will start his new role with immediate effect.

The new model sees Derbyshire move from operating a large team of full time coaches to a more streamlined team aided by player coaches, who will also be supported on an occasional basis by a number of specialist coaches.

As well as providing access to some of the world’s best coaching, the new model will allow the Club to redirect investment from coaching to player recruitment and place more emphasis on players being responsible for their own performances on the pitch.

The new coaching structure comprises:

• Director of Cricket who reports to the Cricket Advisory Director on the Supervisory Board and will be responsible for setting the strategy, managing and delivering all cricket operations
• First XI Support Coach who reports to the First XI Captain and Director of Cricket and will assist the Captain in providing coaching support to the First XI (50-over and four day cricket only)
• Twenty20 Specialist Coach who will lead the entire strategy and execution for all aspects of our NatWest T20 Blast campaign, including match-winning strategy, tactics and the recruitment of domestic and overseas players
• Development Coach responsible for the Academy and Second XI, and the identification and development of talent in the age group pathway from U13s to First XI
• Player Coaches to assist in coaching on non-match and matchdays
• Specialist coaching from world class cricketers to inspire and guide players on an occasional basis

Barnett will be responsible for the development and implementation of the cricket strategy, co-ordinate the coaching, captains and support agencies and will deal with all cricket administrative matters.

He will step down with immediate effect from his role as Club President.

The process of recruitment of the T20 Specialist Coach, First XI Support Coach and Development Coach will commence immediately.

Chairman, Chris Grant said: “The Elite Performance model regrettably has not produced the results that we have been hoping for.

“We have been spending over 20% of our overall cricket budget on coaching and this new model will achieve a better balance between our coaching and playing budget.

“As well as providing a more targeted coaching resources, it will also free up funds from the cricketing budget that can be spent on attracting higher quality players.

“We believe Kim is the perfect man to lead this new structure. He has done it all as a player and knows how to win competitions, and his experience, knowledge and tactical awareness will be invaluable as we move forward.”

Director of Cricket, Barnett said: “We have some great talent here and some great facilities with a tremendous fitness and medical team supporting the players. However, we have not achieved enough success on the field in recent years. We’re determined to change this.

“With a strong Captain and players technically sound and tactically clued up, we will be in a great position for next season.

“If every player at the Club proves their worth and takes responsibility for their own performances, the chances of success are greater.

“We will ensure that Billy and our Twenty20 Captain are given the right talented players on the field and that our talented youngsters will come into a dressing room with experienced cricketers that know how to win.”