Birmingham, Feb 13 (NationPress) Warwickshire County Cricket Club has mutually agreed to part ways with First Team Coach Mark Robinson, concluding his four-year stint at Edgbaston. Robinson, who took the helm in 2021, leaves a legacy highlighted by securing the County Championship title in his inaugural season but also faced challenges with inconsistent performances across both red-ball and white-ball formats.

Upon Robinson’s arrival, the team enjoyed immediate success, clinching the 2021 County Championship. However, the following seasons were marked by inconsistent play. The Bears narrowly escaped relegation in 2022 by finishing eighth and managed only one Championship victory last season, closing out in seventh place. Their T20 performances also struggled, facing four consecutive quarter-final exits in the Blast.

Regardless of the challenges, Robinson was instrumental in developing emerging talent, with academy graduates Jacob Bethell and Dan Mousley making their England debuts during his tenure. Reflecting on his experience at Warwickshire, Robinson stated, “Winning the Championship was a significant highlight, as was transforming our T20 side from a struggling team to one that topped the group for three successive years. Losing last year’s quarter-final was disappointing, but I have faith that the team is on the verge of achieving silverware.”

Following Robinson’s exit, Warwickshire has appointed club legend Ian Westwood to lead the first team. A former captain and lifelong Bear, Westwood played over 250 matches for the club and accumulated more than 8,000 first-class runs. Having served as the Second XI coach and recently worked with the Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20, he is now charged with revitalizing Warwickshire’s prospects.

Warwickshire Chief Executive Stuart Cain expressed confidence in Westwood's capabilities: “Ian Westwood is a Bear through and through. He comprehends our history, culture, and DNA. He is competitive, structured, and a quality leader. His extensive experience in both formats makes him the perfect choice to lead us forward.”

Westwood recognized the challenges ahead and honored Robinson's contributions: “It’s an immense privilege to be appointed as First Team Coach at Warwickshire, a club that holds a special place in my heart. With the season approaching, I am eager to start working with this talented group of players to see what we can achieve this year.”

Warwickshire’s restructuring extends beyond the head coach position. Former batting coach Tony Frost transitions into a newly established Head of Cricket Operations role, overseeing all men’s cricket logistics, facilities, and data analysis. Simon Kerrigan will take over as the 2nd XI coach while providing specialist spin bowling support, and the club is actively seeking a new batting coach.

On the women’s side, Laura Macleod continues as Head of High Performance, collaborating with First Team Coach Ali Maiden.

Additionally, Paul Greetham has been named the club’s inaugural Head of Athlete Performance, integrating medical, physiotherapy, sports psychology, nutrition, and strength and conditioning to optimize player development.

Moreover, Warwickshire is close to appointing a new Performance Director after Gavin Larsen’s departure over the winter. The club is also gearing up for a significant transition, as Birmingham Phoenix will be incorporated into its high-performance framework starting in 2026.

Cain stressed that the restructuring aims for long-term success and adapting to the changing landscape of the sport. “We needed to tackle the challenges of managing four professional teams across distinct formats. This new structure equips us with the resources and focus necessary to strive for domestic titles and nurture local talent,” he remarked.