Sussex have appointed former batsman Keith Greenfield as the county’s first director of cricket.
The 47-year-old, who scored over 7,300 runs across all formats for the county after making his debut in 1987, has spent the past decade as the club’s cricket performance manager, which included the role of academy director.
Greenfield’s new responsibilities include reviewing the quality of coaching, systems and processes, while overseeing all aspects of the professional game.
Head coach Mark Davis will continue to be responsible for on-field performance, with club coach Carl Hopkinson taking over as academy director.
“I am hugely excited and feel very honoured to be offered this fantastic opportunity,” Greenfield said.
Press Conference at Hove announcing Keith Greenfield as Director of Cricket and Carl Hopkinson as Academy Director pic.twitter.com/StLl7NcmNk
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) January 21, 2016
“I am looking forward to working closely with Mark Davis and (Sussex Cricket Foundation managing director) Tim Shutt on the wide range of opportunities we have to make a lasting difference to the quality delivered at all levels within the Sussex Cricket Strategy.”
Sussex chairman Jim May added: “The appointment of Keith is a key one which will ensure that the integration of the professional club and the recreational board in November 2015 helps develop our player pathway for both male and female cricketers.
“In his previous role, Keith was responsible for our academy, which received top marks in the last ECB evaluation, as well as our evolving relationships with Guernsey and Oxford Cricket Boards.
“The board were unanimous in agreeing that Keith has the qualities to succeed in this new role.”
Congrats to Keith Greenfield on his appointment as @SussexCCC first director of cricket
— The PCA (@PCA) January 21, 2016
Former batsman Hopkinson, who won the County Championship with Sussex in 2006, will continue to work with the first team in his position as specialist fielding coach.
Chief executive Zac Toumazi said: “I am delighted that Keith has accepted the role.
“We believe that he will bring his extensive experience in both professional and club cricket to drive improvements for Sussex Cricket.
“His commitment and calm approach makes him the perfect candidate for this role which will focus on the implementation of the Sussex strategy to put cricket at the heart of our community.
“We are also thrilled to see Carl Hopkinson taking over from Keith to build on the excellent work he has done with the academy. He can now bring his own style and expertise to help develop the next generation of Sussex’s players.”
Source: ECB