Matt Walker appointed Sussex Men's Head Coach

Sussex Cricket has appointed Matt Walker as the Club's new Men's Head Coach.

Walker will join Sussex from Warwickshire ahead of the 2027 season, bringing with him a wealth of coaching experience and a proven record of success in the domestic game.

He will succeed Paul Farbrace on 1 November, with Farbrace transitioning into the role of Director of Cricket from the same date, ensuring continuity across Sussex's cricket operation.

Paul Farbrace said:

"We are delighted that Matt has agreed to become our new Head Coach.

"We conducted a thorough three-stage process involving some excellent candidates from across the cricketing world, and Matt consistently impressed throughout. He was the clear choice.

"He has an excellent reputation within the game and brings the experience, energy and enthusiasm we're looking for. I'm really looking forward to working alongside him as we tackle the challenges in front of us and build a team capable of competing for trophies."

Walker arrives at Hove after eight seasons as Head Coach at Kent, where he guided the county to promotion to Division One before leading them to Vitality Blast success in 2021 and the One-Day Cup in 2022. He has also coached within the England men's set-up, is currently Batting Coach at Warwickshire and was previously an Assistant Coach with MI London in The Hundred.

Matt Walker said:

"I am incredibly honoured and excited to have been given the opportunity to become Head Coach of Sussex Cricket.

"Sussex is a Club I have always admired and one with a proud history. The opportunity to work with this group of players and staff, alongside Paul, was one that really excited me.

"There is already a strong foundation in place and I'm looking forward to building on that as we strive to help Sussex compete for trophies. I can't wait to get started."

Walker's appointment is another significant step in Sussex's long-term plans as the Club looks to build on the progress made in recent seasons.

Ed Warner, Chair of Sussex Cricket, said:

"Appointing the right Head Coach was one of the most important decisions we had to make.

"Matt combines an outstanding track record with the leadership, experience and ambition we believe Sussex Cricket needs. He impressed us throughout the process, not only with what he has achieved but with his vision for developing players and building successful teams.

"Alongside Paul's continued involvement as Director of Cricket, this appointment gives us a leadership team with the experience, continuity and ambition to help drive Sussex Cricket forward. I'm excited about what Matt, Paul and the wider team can achieve together."

Mark West, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Sussex Cricket, said:

"Matt's appointment is another important step for Sussex Cricket as we continue strengthening the Club both on and off the field.

"He is joining a talented group of players and staff, and we believe he is the right person to help drive the next phase of our cricket programme.

"Our supporters rightly expect us to be ambitious and competitive, and today's appointment reflects that ambition."

Walker enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Kent and Essex, scoring more than 18,000 runs across all formats before moving into coaching. After working as a batting coach at Essex, he returned to Kent as Assistant Coach in 2014 before being appointed Head Coach in 2017. He joined Warwickshire ahead of the 2025 season.