SSE SWALEC cricket ambassador Robert Croft has been appointed head coach of Glamorgan County Cricket Club.
Croft has signed a rolling contract at the club, which plays at The SSE SWALEC, and although he is currently with the England team in South Africa in his capacity as a consultant spin bowling coach, will return to Cardiff next week to oversee pre-season preparations. He has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach.
Chief Executive Hugh Morris said: “Robert was the outstanding candidate in the recruitment process and his record of achievement as a Glamorgan player and an international cricketer further enhanced the impression that he made when he laid out his coaching vision. His long association with the club, his knowledge of the squad and his vision for the future were the most significant elements of his interview and we are very pleased that he has accepted this opportunity.”
As SSE SWALEC’s cricket ambassador, Croft works closely with SSE SWALEC on SSE’s cricket sponsorships across Wales, promoting the sport and the company’s support of the game from the grassroots community funds to the international stage through the likes of The Ashes and one day internationals.
Croft said: “Glamorgan has been my home club for 28 years as a player and a coach and it was a very special moment when I was offered the chance to lead this group of players. I’m under no illusions as to the scale of the challenge that we will face but I have taken it on knowing that there is a collective desire to drive things forwards. The hard work starts now and I’ll be looking to meet with the players and the back room team to firm up our plans as soon as I return to the UK.”
Croft made his Glamorgan debut in 1989 and went on to take 1117 first-class wickets in a career punctuated by championship success, a Sunday League crown and 71 appearances for England in tests and one day internationals.