As preparations continue for the 2026 season, the Club can confirm the current structure of the Essex Women’s coaching group.
Following the announcement of Stephen Parry as Essex Women’s Head Coach, Nick Browne as Assistant Coach and Batting Lead, and Cath Dalton as Seam Bowling Lead at the end of 2025, the Club can also confirm that Robbie Gunn will assume the role as Assistant Coach. Parry and his coaching staff will work under the leadership of Chris Silverwood, Essex Cricket's Director or Cricket.
As a result of the changes in the Essex Women coaching staff, current Women's Performance Director, Danni Warren, will move into the role of Performance & Growth Director with a focus on the strategic development across the women’s structure. Warren's new role will see her build and deliver a strategy that generates sustainable off-field growth, promotes homegrown inspiration and supports Silverwood and Parry in their pursuit of on-field success.
On her new role, Warren said: "Recent changes across both the Club and Essex Women have provided us with the natural time to stop, reflect and implement a structure that we believe will bring success to Essex Women.
"I am really looking forward to the challenge of generating the resources that will enable our coaches and practitioners to continue developing the talent we have in our squad, programmes and across the region.
"I can't wait to work closely with colleagues across the Club, and our new strategic partner, Pitch15, to provide Essex Women with a platform for sustained success."
As Essex Cricket’s Director of Cricket, Chris Silverwood is responsible for the strategic leadership and overall cricketing direction of the Club - making decisions in the best interests of the Club and helping to build a legacy that will ensure long-term success.
To support this, Chris will work closely with Women’s Head Coach Stephen Parry to set a cricketing philosophy, vision, and style from the Academy to the first team - ensuring a clear pathway for young talent, developing players into senior cricket and onto the international stage.
On the restructure of the Essex Women’s coaching group, Chris said: “This restructure is an important step in strengthening the foundations of Essex Women and ensuring we are set up for long-term success.
“Stephen, alongside Nick, Cath and the wider women’s coaching group, bring a wealth of experience and energy, and I am confident they will create an environment that supports both high performance and player development.
“Danni’s move into the Performance & Growth Director role is also a crucial part of our wider strategy, helping us build sustainable success both on and off the field, alongside our latest commercial partner, Pitch15.
“Together, this structure allows us to create a clear pathway from the Academy to the first team and beyond, ensuring Essex Women continue to grow and compete at the highest level.”
