Mark Robinson confirmed as Director of Cricket

Having previously celebrated success as a player and Head Coach at the club, Sussex Cricket is delighted to confirm Mark Robinson as Director of Cricket.

Robinson will assume the Director of Cricket role at Sussex Cricket on a part-time basis, whilst continuing his duties as Director of Cricket at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA).

During his time as Head Coach, Robinson guided Sussex to County Championship Division One titles in 2006 and 2007, as well as the Twenty20 Cup in 2009, the Friends Provident Trophy in 2006 and the Pro40 National League in 2008 and 2009.

Following his ten-year spell as Head Coach at Sussex, Robinson guided England Women to the 2017 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and enjoyed success as Warwickshire Head Coach, securing another County Championship Division One title in 2021.

More recently, Robinson has played a central role in the development of state school cricket in Sussex, excelling as Sussex Cricket’s State School Technical Lead whilst setting the national standard for state school cricket as Director of Cricket at BACA.

Alex Paterson, Acting CEO of Sussex Cricket: “Mark knows Sussex Cricket inside out having successfully played and coached here over more than 15 years, including winning the County Championship twice. 

“Mark has a fantastic understanding of our pathway and the cricketers at BACA and he will continue to provide an excellent segue for the most talented into Sussex Cricket. I am delighted that Mark is rejoining and supporting all of our teams and coaches with his invaluable expertise. I cannot imagine a better person to become our Director of Cricket.”

Matt Walker, Men’s Head Coach: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Mark back to Sussex as our new Director of Cricket. Mark brings a wealth of experience, outstanding knowledge of the game and a proven track record of developing players and building successful environments. He understands what it takes to be successful at the highest level, and I’m really looking forward to working closely with him as we continue to drive the club forward, develop our talent and build a successful future for Sussex Cricket.”

Jack Davies, Headteacher, BACA: “Mark has been outstanding at BACA over the last 18 months, and we are delighted that he will be able to combine both roles moving forward.

He is not only an exceptional coach, with one of the best cricketing brains in the country, but a brilliant human being who will be a huge asset to Sussex Cricket.

Our aim at BACA is to have the best cricketers in the country attending a state school. With one of our students making their first-class debut last year, we know the cricketing pipeline remains in very good hands with Mark and his team at the helm.”

Mark Robinson, Director of Cricket: “I’m delighted to be back at Hove in a position where I can play my part in helping Sussex continue to be one of the most respected Clubs in the Country. We have taken some hits in the last year and as a club have some work still to be done, and I am determined to contribute to ensure a bright future here at Sussex.

“I first joined this club in 1997 just after the revolution following the loss of most of its senior players and captain. I was just one small building block that helped build an era of unqualified success. Trophies won and England players and coaches produced.

“Work has already started to ensure that we do that again. This club has always been pioneering, starting as the first club to get permanent floodlights right up to the present day, with the Breaking Boundaries initiative which invests in State Schools cricket. 

“Sussex is a special club and I’m delighted to be back.

“The flexibility of my role also allows me still to be hands on at BACA. So many of our cricket students come from all over the county and show such dedication, some leaving as early as 6.30am, many catching two trains to get in to school to follow their dreams. It’s lovely, and means a lot to me, that I can continue to help influence the next generation of male and female cricketers for both the school and at Sussex.”