HEREFORDSHIRE Cricket Ltd’s performance manager Richard Skyrme has decided to step down from his role at the end of the 2024 cricket season.

Skyrme, whose role included coaching the Herefordshire National Counties
side, has been in post firstly on a part-time and then full-time role since 2018.

“It just feels like the right time to go,” said Skyrme who will be 64 later this year.

“And it’s good to go out on a high after the National Counties side gained promotion back to NCCA Western Division 1 at the end of the season.”

Herefordshire Cricket’s chairman Richard Prime praised Skrme for his efforts over more than four decades helping the county’s cricketers.

“Richard has been a key figure in cricket in Herefordshire for more than four decades,” said Prime.

“He was an outstanding player throughout the 1980s and then became Herefordshire’s first captain when we were elected to the Minor Counties Championship in 1992.

“After he finished playing, he developed a stream of talented cricketers as director of sport at Hereford Cathedral School and he has been a hugely important member of our staff for the last six years.

“We’re grateful for his massive contribution to cricket in this county and wish him well for whatever the future might bring.”

Herefordshire Cricket Ltd’s general manager Richard Cox added: “Having been part of that first side that played in the Minor Counties back in 1992, it was my privilege to play under Richard for a few years before that at Hereford City Sports Club and beyond that in the Herefordshire
team.

“Always assertive and quick witted, right up to this season Richard has been a cornerstone of the set-up.

“His dedication to the finishing school of turning people who play cricket into cricketers is his true USP (unique selling point) whilst his respected work around coach education has been extremely influential over the years.

“More recently he returned (at the request of the cricket clubs in the county) to work more closely with them always with a listening ear and watchful eye.

“Personally, I want to wish him well and am sure we will see him back in Herefordshire colours at some point. Farewell for now and thank you.”

Herefordshire Cricket have now concluded their season following a successful campaign.