Essex confirm head coach Grayson’s departure by mutual consent

Grayson, who had been in charge at the County Ground since the summer of 2007, has been the subject of speculation regarding his future in recent weeks, with the club now confirming he has left his post by mutual consent.

Chris Silverwood, assistant head coach, will take temporary charge until the end of the season.

Grayson commented, “I have had 19 wonderful years at Essex CCC, both as a player and as a coach, but I now feel the time is right for a new challenge.

“I would like to thank the cricket committee for their trust and support over the years, in particular John Faragher, Graham Gooch, David Acfield, Keith Fletcher and Nigel Hilliard. A special thank you to Graham Saville, who brought me to Essex and has showed loyal support to me, for which I will always be grateful.

“Thank you also to the loyal supporters who understand the vision of the club and the development of Essex’s own players. I have always been a strong supporter of the club’s policy of developing our own players into First-Class cricketers and it is a pleasure to see so many doing well in the game. I would like to thank the players for their hard work and dedication, particularly the three captains I have worked with; Mark Pettini, James Foster and Ryan ten Doeschate.

“I would also like to thank the coaching staff and medical team for all their loyalty and hard work.

“Finally to my wife and family, for all their love and support during my cricketing career.

“I’d like to wish the club all the best for the future.”

Graham Saville, former chairman of the cricket committee, commented, “I’d like to thank Paul Grayson for his loyal service to the Club as both a player and as a coach.

“He has done everything we had asked him to do with our youth policy.

“Since taking over in 2007, Paul has helped to develop some outstanding young cricketers, who we hope will go on to represent Essex for a long time in the future.

“We wish him all the best for the future.”