Essex Director of Cricket, Anthony McGrath, is to leave the Club after almost nine years on the coaching staff to take up the Head Coach role at his home county of Yorkshire.
McGrath, 49, was appointed as Assistant Head Coach to Chris Silverwood in February 2016, before being promoted to Head Coach 18 months later.
He took on the title of Director of Cricket earlier this year, with his new role including the retention of his duties as Men’s Head Coach.
His time in charge coincided with Essex’s most successful period in four decades, as the Eagles lifted three trophies in two seasons, a rate of silverware not seen since the heyday of the early 1980s.
Within that haul was the historic and as-yet-unmatched 2019 feat of winning the County Championship and T20 Blast double in the same season.
Under McGrath, whose exploits in 2019 saw him awarded the ECB Coaches’ Association Coach of the Year, Essex also lifted the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy following a five-day final against Somerset at Lord’s.
No fewer than 12 members of the current squad were awarded their full debuts for the Club under McGrath, who departs Essex with an all-formats record of 110 wins in 234 games.
“It was an extremely tough decision to leave Essex, and it’s one that I have taken a great deal of time to think about,” said McGrath.
“I’ve been part of this Club for almost nine years, and we’ve achieved so much together and created so many unforgettable memories in that time.
“While I obviously spent all of my playing career at Yorkshire, Essex has become a second home to me, and I’d like to thank everyone for the warmth of their support over the last nine seasons.
“As I look to the future, which includes being able to raise my young family in Yorkshire, I leave having made friends for life, and I will never forget the opportunities this Club gave me.”
Essex Chair, Anu Mohindru KC, added: “Everyone associated with Essex Cricket is extremely grateful for all of Anthony’s effort during his time spent on the coaching staff.
“It’s obvious he loves the game, but it’s his highly professional approach and strong work ethic that have undoubtedly contributed to the Club’s success in recent times.
“We are sad to see him go, but he leaves with our heartfelt thanks, and we wish him the very best for the future.”
Essex Club Captain, Tom Westley, said: “It’s been an incredible experience to play under [McGrath], and also a pleasure to captain the Club during his time here.”
“Everybody within the club knows of his qualities as a coach and leader, but it’s the person that he is that we will all miss the most.
“It’s no exaggeration to say he is one of the most influential figures I have come across during my career, and I’m sure many others feel the same. I owe him a great deal personally, on and off the field.
“It’s testament to him as an individual that during a player’s lowest and highest points, they have always turned to him for advice and guidance.
“It’s no coincidence that the success we have achieved over the last decade has coincided with [McGrath’s] time here. Although he would never accept it, he has been a huge factor in the trophies we have won in recent years.
“It saddens me to see him leave, but personally as a friend, and on behalf of the Club, I would like to wish him all the best.”
Enter the ballot for international tickets
The 2025 international fixture list has been revealed, with Chelmsford braced for high-octane action as England Women take on West Indies Women on Monday 26 May at 2:30pm.
In what’s set to be an unmissable afternoon of IT20 cricket, some of the world’s best T20 cricketers will go head to head in a T20 set in the heart of Essex.
What’s more, the game will be played on the Spring Bank Holiday making it the perfect day out with friends and family.
Demand for tickets will be high, so make sure to enter the ticket ballot and share with family and friends for the best chance to get your hands on tickets before public sale.
You’ll also have the chance to earn an extra entry to the ballot by sharing with the person you’d like to bring with you.
The ballot will close at midnight on Monday 04 November and ballot winners will be contacted with a unique link to purchase tickets on Tuesday 05 November.
