CRICKET Benkenstein new Gloucestershire head coach
- Details
- Created on Tuesday, 30 November 2021 11:00
- Last Updated on Wednesday, 01 December 2021 07:50
- Published on Tuesday, 30 November 2021 11:00
- Written by JACK LONGSTAFF
The 47-year-old South African, who has previously coached internationally with the Proteas, joins The Shire on a three-year-deal that will see him lead the Club’s coaching department until at least the end of the 2024 season.
Benkenstein, a former Durham captain, made his name as a coach at Hampshire between 2014 and 2016 when he led the side to two Vitality Blast Finals Days and secured a promotion back to the top tier of the County Championship.
He has also coached at South African side Dolphins and has most recently served as Head Coach at Mike Procter’s former school Hilton College in his home country, where he is credited with coaching a number of talented young cricketers into the professional game.
Speaking of his pride at being appointed Head Coach at Gloucestershire, Benkenstein said: “I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be the Head Coach of Gloucestershire Cricket.
“I am looking forward to working with a well-balanced squad of youth and experience and I feel the club as a whole have the ingredients to be consistently successful in all formats.
“It is exciting to be back involved in English County Cricket where I have many fond memories.”
Following Benkenstein’s appointment as Head Coach, Ian Harvey will resume his previous role as Assistant Head Coach for the upcoming domestic campaign. Under Harvey’s leadership The Shire became the only team in the country to win eight or more matches in the LV= County Championship.
Harvey said: “It’s been a huge honour for me to lead the team this season and I’m really proud of what the squads have achieved. Some of the performances in the County Championship in particular have been top class and there is no doubt these players have a bright future ahead.
“I’ve been following the recruitment process with interest and there is no doubt that Dale is a great signing and I’m very excited to be working with him; I knew him as a fierce competitor on the pitch and I’m sure his style and considerable experience will produce great results for our Club.”
Speaking of his pride at being appointed Head Coach at Gloucestershire, Benkenstein said: “I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to be the Head Coach of Gloucestershire Cricket.
“I am looking forward to working with a well-balanced squad of youth and experience and I feel the club as a whole have the ingredients to be consistently successful in all formats.
“It is exciting to be back involved in English County Cricket where I have many fond memories.”
Following Benkenstein’s appointment as Head Coach, Ian Harvey will resume his previous role as Assistant Head Coach for the upcoming domestic campaign. Under Harvey’s leadership The Shire became the only team in the country to win eight or more matches in the LV= County Championship.
Harvey said: “It’s been a huge honour for me to lead the team this season and I’m really proud of what the squads have achieved. Some of the performances in the County Championship in particular have been top class and there is no doubt these players have a bright future ahead.
“I’ve been following the recruitment process with interest and there is no doubt that Dale is a great signing and I’m very excited to be working with him; I knew him as a fierce competitor on the pitch and I’m sure his style and considerable experience will produce great results for our Club.”
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