Croft leaves Glamorgan head coach role after difficult 2018 season

By Bradley West

Former England international Robert Croft has left his position as head coach at Glamorgan, ending his three decades long association with the Welsh county.

Glamorgan have parted company with Croft following a troubling season in which they finished bottom of Division Two of the County Championship and were eliminated in the group stages of both limited overs competitions.

The move comes as the club review their existing structure with chief executive Hugh Morris also relinquishing his role as director of cricket.

Croft has been head coach since 2016 but his time leading the club on the field has not been a particularly fruitful one with only eight championship wins achieved across his three years in charge.

Croft said: “After finishing my playing career it was one of my dreams to coach at this great club and I am pleased to have been able to fulfil that dream and play a part in developing the next generation of Welsh cricketers.

“I leave knowing that Glamorgan has a number of extremely talented cricketers who can take the club forward.

“Glamorgan will always hold a big piece of my heart and I would like to wish the club and supporters well for the future.”

The Welsh county will begin their search for a replacement once a new director of cricket is in place.

Morris, on Croft’s departure, said: “On behalf of the club I would like to thank Robert for the incredible contribution he has made to Glamorgan, not just as head coach but also as a player, assistant coach and ambassador over the last 30 years.

“He is one of our greatest players and the most successful player we have ever had at the club at international level and has done more than anyone to promote not just cricket in Wales, but Welsh cricket to the world.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision for the board to make, but given our performances in the County Championship we feel it is the right time for a change.

“Robert is always welcome back at the club and we hope he will continue to act as an ambassador for Glamorgan and Welsh cricket.”