Surrey have appointed Graham Ford as their new head coach. The South African will arrive at the Kia Oval in February 2014 to work alongside Alec Stewart, who will take on the new title of director of cricket.
Ford leaves his current job as the head coach of the Sri Lanka national team after their tour of the United Arab Emirates in late January, where they will play in all forms of the game against Pakistan.
The 52-year-old is a replacement for Chris Adams, who was sacked by Surrey midway through the most recent English summer. Stewart and bowling coach Stuart Barnes took on added responsibility until the end of a season which saw the county relegated to Division Two of the Championship.
“I am delighted to once again be involved in English cricketing system,” said Ford, who has previously coached Kent. “I have, for a long while, been an admirer of Surrey CCC, and see it as a great privilege to be actively involved in such a fine club. I look forward to the exciting times ahead!”
The appointment of Ford on a three-year contract will surely be welcomed by many, including England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who is contracted to Surrey.
Ford, born in Pietermaritzburg like Pietersen, has acted as a mentor for the England talisman throughout his career. Ahead of the 2010/11 Ashes series, Pietersen returned to South Africa to work with Ford in a bid to improve his poor form. He even played two four-day matches for the Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur says he is “very confident” of keeping second XI coach Paul Farbrace at Headingley amidst speculation that he will replace Ford as the new Sri Lanka coach.
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
He is also the presenter of the Cricket Badger Radio Show on Radio Yorkshire every Tuesday evening between 7-9pm UK time.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
James is a published author, a writer/video contributor to many cricket publications and a complete cricket badger!
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