Steve Kirby named new MCC head coach
Tuesday 5 April 2016 10:05, UK
Steve Kirby has been appointed head coach of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Former Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Somerset fast bowler Kirby will be responsible for looking after all aspects of the club's coaching structures.
He will assume the role at the end of this month, taking over from Mark Alleyne, and he will oversee the MCC Young Cricketers, who compete in the 2nd XI Championship, the MCC Academy based at Lord's and the club's burgeoning community coaching programmes.
Kirby has played for the MCC in four pre-season champion county matches and toured Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Argentina with the famous club.
The 38-year-old said: "Words can't describe how excited I am to be taking on such a prestigious role of MCC head coach and I can't wait to get started. Mark Alleyne did a tremendous job over the previous seven years and they are very big boots to fill.
"Lord's has always been a special place for me and I'm truly thankful and honoured to be given this opportunity with MCC. This role is about helping to unearth the hidden talent of young players from all age groups and backgrounds, helping them to excel in their dreams of playing professional cricket but most importantly helping them to become truly well rounded confident people that can cope with any hurdle that life throw's at them.
"I want to teach them to treasure and respect the values MCC stands for within the game, nurturing them to be role models and ambassadors that MCC can be proud of, but most importantly they are extremely proud to say they are a real part of."
John Stephenson, MCC head of cricket, who oversaw the recruitment process, said: "In a competitive field, Steve's passion for the role and for MCC shone through and this was a key reason why we decided to appoint him.
"He has energy, drive and commitment in spades and his ambition to drive forward all the club's coaching structures was clear throughout the robust interview process."
Kirby took 572 wickets at an average of 28.74 in a 13-year first-class career, despite being released by Leicestershire as a teenager due to a back problem. He added 225 wickets in limited-overs cricket.
