Head Coach Craig White leaves Hampshire

Head Coach Craig White leaves Hampshire

(thanks to Dave Vokes Photography)

Hampshire Head Coach Craig White has left the club after two seasons in the role.

The 48-year-old was appointed head coach in November 2016, succeeding Dale Benkenstein, following a five-season spell as assistant coach and a bowling specialist coach.

No time-frame is yet in place for appointing White’s replacement, with the search expected to begin when the players return to training in the week commencing November 12th. Hampshire say a decision will be made on White’s successor in due course.

White said in a statement: “I’ve had a fantastic six years at Hampshire and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve as a group in that time.

“Whilst it’s certainly been a tough decision and one that hasn’t been made lightly, spending long periods of time away from my family has become more and more difficult and I feel that now is the right time to return to be with them on a more permanent basis.

“I’d like to thank everyone at the club for their support throughout the last six years, from the players to the coaching staff, members and supporters, and I wish them the very best for the future.”

He led Hampshire to the Royal London One-Day Cup title in June with a victory over Kent at Lord’s, their first trophy since 2012.

Under White’s coaching, the club brought in a number of strong overseas and Kolpak players, including Kyle Abbott, Rilee Rossouw, Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn. Hampshire also secured Sam Northeast’s signature, a player who had been eyed for a move to the south coast for several years.

But they have been remarkably inconsistent in form, surviving in the Specsavers County Championship Division One by just two points in 2017, and by 11 this past season. That accompanies a 2018 T20 Blast group stage exit, along with the One-Day Cup trophy.

Hampshire’s director of cricket, Giles White, said: “Craig has been an integral part of the club since joining us in 2012, firstly as an Assistant Coach and then as Head Coach, and his dedication in that time has been outstanding.

“We understand his decision to step down and have been aware of the difficulties of being away from his family. On behalf of the Club I’d like to thank Craig for all the hard work and incredible contributions during his time here, he will be missed on both a personal and professional level. We wish him and his family well for the future.”

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