Terry Burton stands down after 27 years' service

Sussex Cricket’s Women’s Manager, Terry Burton has decided to stand down from the role after 25 years in charge and a total of 27 years of giving his time to the women and girls’ cricket in the county.

A lifelong resident of Shoreham-by-Sea,Terry first became involved with Sussex Cricket when his daughter, Charlotte – who is now the county’s Women & Girls Development Officer - was selected for the Sussex Girls’ under-11 side.

He became a coach of the side and two years later took on the dual role of manager and coach for Sussex Women.

Terry was never afraid to make changes, bringing in younger players to the women’s side, some of whom were only 13 years old. He evolved the way the team was run, increasing levels of professionalism and instilling a true team ethos to the side.

After one year in charge, Terry gave Clare Connor the Sussex captaincy. She went on to captain England and is now Director of England Women’s Cricket. Terry always placed great emphasis on player development, not just as cricketers but as individuals.

He was coach and manager of the side when the Sussex Women won their first County Championship back in 2003, and followed that up with Championship wins in 2004 and 2005.

As well as coaching and managing the Sussex Women he also coached a number of the girls’ sides, helping them win a number of age-group County Championship titles as well.

Sussex introduced dedicated women’s and girls’ coaches in 2005, but Terry remained as Manager of the Sussex Women team. He remained ever-present at matches, as well as organising teams and arranging hotels and venues.

During his 27 years’ involvement with Sussex, Terry has also served as Secretary and Vice President for the Sussex Women’s Cricket Association (WCA).

Looking back at nearly three decades at Sussex, Terry said: “I have really enjoyed the past 27 years, in particular seeing the tremendous growth of women's and girls’ cricket in Sussex.

“I have been fortunate to have had some of the top women cricketers play for the county which has brought success in the form of County Championships. I’ll never forget the resulting visits with the team to Buckingham Palace.

“A big thanks to all the players who have made it so enjoyable and to the many volunteers - too many to mention - who have assisted me over the years. 

“Everyone at Sussex has always been so supportive. It is a true Sussex family and I cannot thank them enough. I wish everyone well for the future.”

Terry was recognised and thanked for his outstanding service to cricket in Sussex at the Sussex Women and Girls Awards Evening which took place at the end of last season.

The evening was held at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy (BACA) and attended by players and parents from the Sussex under-11s through to the Women’s squad,

Awards were presented by Simon Funnell, Director of Sport for Brighton and Portslade Aldridge Community Academies; Keith Greenfield, Sussex’s Director of Cricket; Bob Warren, Sussex Cricket Chairman; John Abbott, President of Sussex Cricket; and Jon Filby, Chairman of the Sussex Cricket Foundation.

The winners were as follows:

Under-11s Player of the Year – Hannah Van Niekerk

Under-12s Player of the Year – Millie Taylor

Under-13 Player of the Year – Frankie Angel

Under-15 Player of the Year – Ella McCaughan

Under-17 Player of the Year – Ariana Dowse

Women’s Player of the Year – Linsey Smith

The Cricket Society Fair Player of the Year – Millie Taylor (U12s)

Team of the Year – Sussex U17s

Performance of the Year – Freya Kemp (101 not out off 62 balls for Sussex under-12s)

Unsung Hero – Faye Mullins (U11s)

Endeavour Award – Cassidy McCarthy (U15s)