In a first extended interview since joining Derbyshire as Assistant & Bowling Coach, Steve Kirby discusses a packed training schedule and his targets for 2019.
An enigmatic character, with 572 first-class wickets to his name, Kirby joined Derbyshire after a successful spell as Head Coach of the MCC, during which he developed a number of ideas on youth development, as well as team behaviours.
He now looks to expand these ideas within the Derbyshire setup, instilling key messages throughout the pathway and creating a positive culture in which he hopes to see all levels of cricket improve in the county.
Kirby said: “I’m loving every moment of it. Working with every single one of the lads and watching how they’re progressing in the short space of time we’ve been here.
“Since Christmas we’ve got into the full cricket side of things – it’s a full-on cricket programme and we put them through their pressure zones.
“We’re creating a Derbyshire DNA. That’s right down from the U12s, all the way through to the first team.
“Ultimately we believe it’s not just down to the ability and skills of the players, but it’s down to character and we want to build that through the behaviours.
“That’s why me, Mal [Loye] and Dave [Houghton] are involved in all the levels of the pathway.”
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