Who is Lloyd Tennant, the new head coach of Ireland Women’s team?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Lloyd Tennant appointed as head coach of the Ireland Women’s team.
- His coaching experience spans both men's and women's cricket.
- He aims to build on the progress made under Ed Joyce.
- Upcoming matches include series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan.
- The squad is rich in young talent.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) Cricket Ireland has announced the appointment of English coach Lloyd Tennant as the head coach of the Ireland Women’s team. This decision comes as the team embarks on a new journey following the exit of Ed Joyce. Tennant is set to officially take on his responsibilities starting June 1, succeeding Joyce, who wrapped up his nearly six-year term last month after Ireland faced challenges during the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.
Tennant, aged 57, arrives with extensive coaching credentials in both men’s and women’s cricket. He is a former professional player for Leicestershire and holds an ECB Level 4 coaching qualification. He has spent four seasons leading the Central Sparks regional team and has been integral to the England Women’s development system.
His previous engagements include roles within the England Women’s Pathway, coaching the Manchester Originals in The Hundred, and serving as ECB’s Women and Girls’ Talent Manager. He has also contributed as a bowling coach for the England Under-19 men’s team.
Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Tennant remarked: “This is an exciting era for women’s cricket, particularly with its swift global progression. The Ireland Women’s squad has significantly advanced under Ed Joyce’s leadership, and I am eager to build upon his exceptional work and support this team’s continued development.”
Graeme West, Cricket Ireland’s high-performance director, highlighted that Tennant’s multifaceted coaching experience positions him as the ideal candidate to lead a talented young Irish team.
“We are confident that Lloyd is perfectly suited for a national squad rich in emerging talent. His experience in guiding players through Under-19 World Cup cycles while balancing competitive sports with education is highly advantageous for our system,” West stated.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ed Joyce noted that two key achievements were the transition to a more professional environment and observing the emergence of young talent after the departure of seasoned players.
“The eagerness to represent Ireland among the younger athletes has been evident. Witnessing their impact on the international stage is the greatest reward for any coach,” he expressed.
Tennant’s initial tasks will be during a busy home season. The Ireland Women are scheduled to host Zimbabwe for a series of three T20 matches and two ODIs in late July, followed by three T20s against Pakistan in August.