New Zealander Bradburn is new Glamorgan coach

Former Pakistan and Scotland coach Grant Bradburn is Glamorgan’s new head coach, signing a three-year deal until 2027.

The New Zealander, 57, succeeds former championship head coach Matthew Maynard and short-format leader Mark Alleyne.

The Welsh county had already signalled their intention to revert to a single coach for all formats.

“To have the opportunity to coach Glamorgan is a huge honour and a privilege,” said Bradburn.

“My simple aim is to create a winning environment with an awesome culture.

“Together we will quickly identify a brand of cricket in all formats that most importantly inspires the players and, in turn, attracts everyone within the club to be excited and proud of our teams.”

Bradburn signed a two-year deal with Pakistan in May, 2023, but left after they missed out on the Cricket World Cup semi-finals.

The former Test off-spinner had previously been Pakistan’s fielding coach and was Scotland’s head coach between 2014-2018.

He will officially start the Glamorgan head coach role on 1 February.

“With international experience and a passion for developing players and staff, I am really looking forward to immersing myself alongside our Glamorgan network of coaches to develop quality players within our programmes,” said Bradburn.

“I’m not taking this role expecting just to compete in the County Championship. I will bring a desire for Glamorgan to be contenders in all formats and am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club soon.

“I will bring fresh eyes which I believe will be healthy for the club.”

Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace had been leading the search for a single head coach to lead the county across all formats in 2024.

The role had been split in 2023 as Matthew Maynard led the championship team while Mark Alleyne took charge for shorter formats.

Maynard stepped down, along with chief executive Hugh Morris, following a disappointing 2023 at Sophia Gardens.

“We’re delighted to have a coach of Grant Bradburn’s quality joining us at Glamorgan for the next three years at least,” said Wallace.

“He has a wide range of experience as a coach and right across high performance and will add a great amount to the club from top to bottom.”

In the wake of Maynard’s exit, ex-Glamorgan wicketkeeper Tom Cullen said the Cardiff-based county had been held back by their policy of appointing former players – such as Maynard, Wallace and Morris – to management positions, which he regarded as “cronyism”.

Ex-England fast bowler Simon Jones joined the calls for change at his former county.

However, in turn Glamorgan great Michael Hogan played down suggestions there was a need for major changes at the club saying “I’d have to disagree with it for the most part.”