Andy reflects on ‘absolutely amazing’ time

July 22, 2023

ANDY Northcote said it has been ‘absolutely amazing’ to lead Suffolk’s coaching set up as he prepares to leave the role.

Northcote, who is standing down due to family commitments, will leave his position as Suffolk Cricket Performance Lead at the end of August.

The 40-year-old, who has been club professional at Woolpit CC throughout his time with Suffolk, will be joining Framlingham College Prep School as Head of PE & Games from the start of September.

Northcote was appointed Suffolk head coach ahead of the 2016 season following the decision of Bobby Flack to step down after five years in charge.

Two years later Northcote’s role was extended to Cricket Performance Lead, covering the men’s, ladies’ and Suffolk Young Cricketers age group sides.

During his time the Suffolk men’s 1st XI won the inaugural National Counties Cricket Association Eastern Division title in 2021, but lost to Western Division winners Oxfordshire in the play-off final.

The Women’s 1st XI side last season won the double – the ECB Vitality T20 regional title for the first time and the East of England Championship at the first attempt.

Northcote (pictured above) said: “It has been absolutely amazing and I have really enjoyed it. It has been a dream job for any aspiring coach.

“I will have only fond memories of the experience looking after the structure and pathway of Suffolk Cricket, and hope that I have left it in a healthier position than when I took over.”

Northcote, who was born in South Africa, is looking forward to the challenge of his new post.

“The job will be taking coaching right back to its roots and overseeing the development of players between when they join the school and when they leave at the age of 13,” he said.

The role will also see Northcote take charge of one of the age group teams at Framlingham College, where he will be understudy to Jack Beaumont, who is head of cricket as well as Suffolk’s current red-ball captain.

Northcote missed last Sunday’s NCCA Trophy Semi-Final four-wicket defeat to Cumbria at Sudbury CC as he is currently away with the Italian national side.

The wicket-keeper/batter/bowler, who won 71 caps for Italy between 2007 and 2017, was asked by head coach Gareth Berg to be one of his assistants for the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Edinburgh.

Northcote joined up with the squad the day after Suffolk’s three-day Championship opener versus Staffordshire for a week-long training camp in Crawley, before heading to Edinburgh.

He said: “We will be playing six matches in a seven-team tournament, with the top two teams qualifying for the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean next March. Ireland and Scotland will be the favourites to qualify.”

Northcote, who is an assistant coach alongside ex-Ireland all-rounder Kevin O’Brien, added: “When I got the call from Gareth to ask was I interested in joining up with the squad, I had no hesitation in going to support the Federation that has given me so many opportunities in the past.”

 

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