Sport

Graham Ford appointed new head coach of Cricket Ireland

56-year-old South African has had spells in charge of the Proteas and Sri Lanka

Graham Ford has been appointed the new head coach of Cricket Ireland. Photograph: Charlie Crowhurst/Getty

Fri Sep 8 2017 - 14:29

Graham Ford has been appointed as the new head coach of Cricket Ireland.

Ford has signed a three-year deal, and will take over from outgoing coach John Bracewell when his contract expires in December.

56-year-old Ford coached his native South Africa at Test level from 1999-2002, and in July he stepped down after a second stint in charge of Sri Lanka, which lasted 15 months.

Ford takes over ahead of what will be a key period for Irish cricket, with qualification for the 2019 World Cup beginning next year, as well as the prospect of the nation’s maiden Test matches after being granted full-member status by the ICC in June.

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On his new role, Ford said: “I am really excited to be a part of this new era in Irish cricket. I have always enjoyed working with decent people and, in their attitude, character and camaraderie, the Irish cricketers have always come across as such.

“With my knowledge and experience I believe I can genuinely make a difference. All my efforts will be dedicated to assisting the players to improve and achieve their full potential while playing an enjoyable brand of cricket.”

Meanwhile Cricket Ireland preformance director Richard Holdsworth said: "Graham's reputation for improving young players, his work ethic and huge knowledge were among the key factors for his appointment.

“The panel was strongly persuaded by Graham’s clear understanding of what the Ireland team and Irish cricket in general needs right now, while he is already familiar with some of our players through his coaching spells at Kent and Surrey.

“In the short term, his expertise in the shorter forms of the game will also be vital as we build towards two major ICC events over the next three years - including the ICC World Cup Qualifier in the first half of 2018 - while longer term he is aiming to strengthen the national team in its rebuilding process from a core of long-established players to a younger less experienced team.

“John Bracewell and his support staff continue to plan the next few months, while a hand-over with Graham during the tour to UAE in late November and early December has been mutually agreed, after which Graham will take charge.”

Ireland are next in action on Wednesday September 13th, when they take on the West Indies in an ODI at Stormont.

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