Former England cricketer and Durham first team coach Geoff Cook will leave his role as Director of Cricket at Durham County Cricket Club as part of a staff restructure.
Cook joined DCCC in 1991, following a County Cricket career with Northamptonshire, and has been an instrumental part of every major success at the Club since, including the move into first-class cricket.
The 66-year-old was appointed as Durham’s Head Coach in 2007 and immediately guided the Club to glory in the Friends Provident Trophy, starting a run of trophies that would include back-to-back Championship wins.
Poor health forced Cook to take time off during the 2013 season but he thankfully returned to join in with the Championship title celebrations at the end of the year and was subsequently appointed as Director of Cricket that winter.
Cook – who has seven England Test caps – has played an integral role in the development of Durham’s and England’s next generation of talent and his considerable expertise has been a key factor in the success of the Club’s Second XI and youth sides as well as helping Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Steve Harmison, Graham Onions, Mark Stoneman and many more reach the pinnacle of their cricketing careers.
“It comes with a heavy heart that I am leaving my role as Director of Cricket at Durham County Cricket Club but I’m immensely proud of the work we have achieved during my 27 year stay,” Cook said.
“It’s been a privilege to work at Durham for so long and the memories will be with me forever.
“From establishing ourselves as a first-class county to our back-to-back title wins in 2007 and 2008, and the Championship triumph in 2013 were, alongside many more, the highlights of my career.
“There are too many people to thank but I would like to show gratitude to all the players, staff, members and supporters I have worked with and of course my family and friends.
“Durham County Cricket Club is a great Club and will continue to improve, I’d like to wish them the best of luck going forward.”
DCCC Chairman Sir Ian Botham, added: “Geoff is a true legend of the Club and his instrumental work has had an immeasurable impact on the success of Durham County Cricket Club.
“His efforts in establishing Durham as a first-class county and turning the team from newcomers to a title-winning force will never be forgotten alongside his superb coaching achievements.”
“I would like to wish him the very best for the future.”