Anthony McGrath becomes Yorkshire CCC Coach

Neil Whitaker reports

 FORMER Yorkshire captain Anthony McGrath has been appointed Yorkshire men’s  new head coach on a five-year contract

McGrath  had success  Essex with, coaching them to the County Championship and the T20 Blast in 2019 and the Bob Willis Trophy in 2020.  In 2023 they were runners-up in the County Championship and the T20 Blast. 

The former Yorkshire all-rounder was a member of the 2001 championship winning team, the first time that Yorkshire had won the County Championship team since 1968 and a year later they  won the Cheltenham and Gloucester trophy.

McGrath,49, developed through the Club’s pathways, going  on to be capped in four Tests and 14 ODIs by England. He captained the club in two spells each for a season in 2003 and 09 before he retired in 2013 and took on the role of coaching consultant with Yorkshire before moving south to join Essex. 

Interim CEO for YCCC, Sanjay Patel, said: “We’re delighted to appoint Anthony as Head Coach. 

“During the past nine years with Essex, Anthony has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in English cricket. He is renowned for; his team’s attractive, attacking cricket, supporting and developing world class talent, and commitment to youth. 

“In the Club’s conversations leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Yorkshire Cricket to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that. We look forward to welcoming him to the Club this Autumn.”   

McGrath said: “It is a great honour to be appointed Head Coach of Yorkshire Cricket’s Men’s team, and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead. 

I know the history of this great Club and the passion of the members and supporters, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve. 

It will be difficult to leave Essex after these incredible years, and I would like to thank everyone involved with the Club for the opportunity to be part of Essex Cricket’s history. The Club is well positioned to keep moving forward in the years to come.” 

McGrath will start  in his role  on November 1 2024.