Joshua Little, left, is one of Ireland’s recent academy graduates © Peter Della Penna
Cricket Ireland has appointed Peter Johnston to run its National Academy. Johnston’s promotion from within comes after two previous appointees – Chris Adams and Toby Radford – pulled out at short notice.
Johnston was previously Ireland’s assistant coach and performance analyst. He has an ECB Level Four coaching qualification and has worked for Cricket Ireland for over a decade.
Scott Irvine has been named as full-time performance analyst, succeeding Johnston. Ben Smith and former Ireland allrounder Andrew White will share assistant coach duties until the post is filled on a permanent basis.
“Peter moved over from the men’s team to an acting manager role three months ago and has immersed himself in the Shapoorji Pallonji Academy,” Cricket Ireland’s performance director, Richard Holdsworth, said.
“He’s been instrumental in setting up a new senior and emerging player programme with Ryan Eagleson. He is Ireland-based, has great knowledge of our fringe players and young talent coming through, and with 10 years’ experience with the senior team, understands what it takes to become an Irish international cricketer.
“He is not only one of a few Level Four coaches in Ireland, but has great knowledge of talent development and the pressures which a player can undergo trying to make it to the top, and with this understanding is well placed to help develop our young players into Test players of the future.”
Johnston’s role as National Academy and Performance manager will include coaching the Ireland Wolves – the joint academy and A side.
“Working with the academy players, coaches and specialists such as Ed Joyce and Andrew White over the last few months has been very enjoyable and rewarding,” Johnston said. “I’ve been encouraged by the work-rate, drive and ambition of the players and coaching staff, and it is a delight to take on this pivotal role in a full-time capacity.
“It is our vision to continually challenge the best emerging players so that they are robust and ready to perform at the highest level. Already this winter we have seen academy players Josh Little and Lorcan Tucker touring with the senior squad.
“The opportunity for our next ‘cabs off the rank’ to play for the Ireland Wolves in the summer will no doubt help more players to gain senior honours and graduate from the academy to become full-time professionals with Cricket Ireland.”
Former Glamorgan coach Radford took over at the National Academy last year, only to leave after a month in the role. Adams, the former Surrey coach, had been appointed in May but withdrew his acceptance almost immediately due to family reasons.
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo