James Kirtley to leave Sussex as coaching overhaul continues

James Kirtley will leave Sussex at the end of October after the club and its bowling coach agreed to part company. Sussex announced the decision on 20 October as part of a coaching restructure, with incoming head coach Matt Walker set to oversee recruitment of a new lead bowling coach during the winter.

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In its announcement, Sussex credited Kirtley with helping the side win the 2024 County Championship Division Two title and then finish in the top half of Division One in successive seasons. The club also highlighted two appearances at T20 Finals Day during his coaching tenure, alongside his contribution to the development of its bowlers.

Outgoing head coach Paul Farbrace singled out Ollie Robinson, Henry Crocombe and Sean Hunt as players who had benefited from Kirtley's work. Kirtley said in the club statement that he was leaving with sadness but pride, and believed he had helped strengthen the team. He also thanked the players and fellow coaches for their support throughout his time at Sussex.

BBC Sport reported that Kirtley, 51, had held the full-time bowling coach position since November 2019, following a 16-year playing career at Hove. As a player, he helped Sussex win three County Championship titles and three white-ball trophies. His coaching work has included England bowlers Jofra Archer and Robinson, as well as England Lions bowler Crocombe.

The departure comes amid several changes to the county's coaching staff. According to BBC Sport, Farbrace is preparing to join Lancashire as director of cricket, while batting coach Grant Flower is heading to Surrey. Kirtley's exit therefore adds another position to be filled as Walker prepares to take charge of the reshaped coaching team.

There is also turnover in the playing squad. BBC Sport reported that Crocombe, John Simpson, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Daniel Hughes and Tom Alsop are leaving. Sussex are operating under a salary cap imposed by the England and Wales Cricket Board until 2028 following sustained operating losses, adding a financial constraint to the period of change at Hove.