Maynard lands Glamorgan job

Matthew Maynard during his spell as assistant coach of the England team © Getty Images

Matthew Maynard has been appointed cricket manager at Glamorgan.

The former England batsman, who was replaced by Andy Flower as the national team’s assistant coach after the World Cup, will take up the newly-created position at Sophia Gardens at the end of September.

Maynard, 41, played nearly 750 matches for Glamorgan between 1985-2005, leading the side to the County Championship title in 1997 and playing a significant part in their one-day triumphs in 1993, 2002 and 2004.

He finished his playing career with 24,799 first-class runs at an average of 42.

Maynard said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for me and it couldn’t have come at a better time.”

His appointment means minor changes to the roles of the two existing coaches, Adrian Shaw and Steve Watkin.

Shaw will continue as first XI coach, working closely with Maynard, while Watkin will continue as performance director but relinquish his direct responsibilities as Academy director.

Maynard in action in a 20-year playing career that yielded almost 25,000 first-class runs

Maynard said: “I am pleased to have, in Adrian and Steve, two people I not only know well, but whose cricketing philosophies I understand having played with them both for many years and I’m delighted that both will be continuing in important positions within the organisation.

“Although I do not formally start in post until the end of the season, I will be spending whatever time it takes between now and the end of September consulting with them.”

Glamorgan have suffered a serious downturn in fortunes since Maynard’s retirement as a player and they are currently bottom of the LV County Championship Second Division.

Maynard added: “I’m aware that there is a lot of work required and that it will not be an overnight transformation.

“It will be up to me to get the best out of the players we have, augment them with additions where appropriate, and to work as hard as I can to get Glamorgan back to the level of performance we all - players and supporters - enjoyed in the 1990s and early 2000s. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”

Maynard, who made four Test and 14 one-day international appearances for England, will be responsible for all elements of cricket and player development at Glamorgan.

Chief executive Mike Fatkin said: “We’re delighted that Matthew has agreed to rejoin Glamorgan in this new role.

“His commitment to the county and his record as a player stands comparison with the very best and, having now had experience of coaching elite players, we believe he is ready to take on this particular challenge.”