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58 minutes ago
Hampshire men’s head coach Adrian Birrell will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 64-year-old South African joined the club in 2019 and won the T20 Blast with the Hawks in 2022.
“It’s really sad when you move on and I’ve had a fantastic seven years,” Birrell told BBC Radio Solent.
“I have had the best job in England, but like everything, things come to an end and I’m not the youngest coach around. It’s time to move on for me and the team, I can’t commit to the next 4-5 years, it will take another cycle for a coach to come in.”
The former Ireland and England U-19 head coach added: “This is a fantastically talented group of young players that will need a new coach to come in with a fantastic energy and take them forward.
“I have a farm, family and kids at home [in South Africa] and I don’t get to see them. It’s a really selfish decision and we decided as a team it was time for change.”
Birrell secured three third-place finishes in the County Championship with the club finishing runners-up in 2024.
In the white-ball game he has made it to finals day on four occasions, and on Saturday he has the chance to win a second T20 Blast title with the club.
Hampshire director of cricket Giles White told the club website: “All good things come to an end, and we are sad to see Adi go.
“It’s been a fantastic seven years at the club, during which he has become a hugely popular figure and overseen a successful period across all formats.
“Under his leadership, the team has reached numerous finals, come close in Championships, and lifted the Blast title in 2022.
“His contribution has left a lasting mark, and he will be deeply missed by players, coaches, and fans alike at the Utilita Bowl.”
