Anthony McGrath Returns to Yorkshire as New Head Coach

Yorkshire County Cricket Club has announced the appointment of Anthony McGrath as their new men’s head coach, replacing Ottis Gibson. McGrath, a former allrounder and 28-cap England international, returns to his home county on a five-year deal. His coaching career began at Yorkshire after retiring in 2013, and he has since enjoyed considerable success with Essex.

McGrath’s Impressive Coaching Track Record

After starting as an assistant coach at Essex, McGrath played a vital role in the club’s promotion to the County Championship in 2016. 

His tenure saw Essex win a Championship and T20 Blast double in 2019 and the Bob Willis Trophy in 2020. 

In 2023, he led the team to a second-place finish in Division One and a spot in the Blast finals. 

His time at Essex was marked by a commitment to developing young talent and fostering an attractive style of play.

Challenges Ahead for Yorkshire

McGrath steps into his new role with Yorkshire, who have just returned to Division One after a tumultuous period, including a 48-point deduction last season linked to a racism scandal involving former player Azeem Rafiq. 

The club is eager to rebuild and restore its reputation, and McGrath’s experience and vision will be crucial in this endeavour. 

He expressed his excitement for the challenge, emphasising his desire to develop a team that can bring success back to the club and its passionate supporters.

As he prepares to officially begin his role on November 1, McGrath has acknowledged the difficult decision to leave Essex, where he built lasting memories over nearly nine years. 

Tom Westley, Essex’s captain, praised McGrath’s impact on the club, stating, “His influence has been a huge factor in the trophies we have won in recent years.”

Sanjay Patel, Yorkshire’s interim CEO, expressed confidence in McGrath’s ability to elevate the club back to competitive prominence, highlighting his long-term vision for success.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram and Instagram