Matt Walker Named Sussex Head Coach

Matt Walker, the former Kent head coach, has been named Paul Farbrace’s successor at Sussex, and he will take over on November 1, when Farbrace will become Director of Cricket.

Walker, 52, was a standout for Essex and Kent over a 19-year career, scoring over 18,000 runs in all formats before transitioning to coaching.

In 2021, he led Kent’s progress to Division One of the County Championship, followed by the Vitality Blast title that season and the One-Day Cup in 2022. He most recently worked as a batting coach for Warwickshire.

His hiring comes at a time when Sussex is fifth in Division One and facing tough competition. However, the club expects substantial change in the off-season after being placed under three years of special measures by the ECB due to a £1.3 million deficit in their coffers.

Earlier this month, Henry Crocombe, Sussex’ highly regarded fast bowler, became the latest player to leave Hove despite being offered a new three-year contract. Back in March, Farbrace stated that it was “now or never” for a brilliant bunch of players to produce cutlery before their probable departure.

Farbrace has agreed to stay at Sussex to ensure continuity during the transition, and welcomes Walker as his coaching successor. “We are thrilled that Matt has agreed to be our new Head Coach,” Farbrace stated.

“We went through a three-stage process with several fantastic applicants from around the cricket globe, and Matt continuously excelled throughout. “He was the obvious choice.

“He has a great reputation in the game and possesses the experience, energy, and enthusiasm we seek. I’m incredibly excited to work with him as we face the difficulties ahead of us and build a team capable of competing for trophies.”

Walker’s coaching experience includes working with the England men’s team and Oval Invincibles (now MI London) in the Hundred. “I am honoured and excited to be appointed Head Coach of Sussex Cricket,” he said.

Sussex is a club I’ve always liked, and it has a rich history. Working with Paul and this team of athletes and staff was an exciting opportunity for me.

There is currently a great foundation in place, and I’m excited to build on it as we work to assist Sussex compete for trophies. I can’t wait to get started!”

Walker’s hiring comes after Ed Warner was designated Sussex’ new chairman earlier this month. Warner, the former chair of UK Athletics, replaced Sir Rod Aldridge, the club president who had been serving in an interim capacity since Jon Filby’s resignation in February.

“Choosing the right Head Coach was one of the most important decisions we had to make,” Warner stated. “Matt combines an outstanding track record with the leadership, experience and ambition we believe Sussex Cricket needs.

“Along with Paul’s continued involvement as Director of Cricket, this appointment creates a leadership team with the experience, continuity, and ambition to propel Sussex Cricket forward. I’m thrilled about what Matt, Paul, and the rest of the team can accomplish together.