THE PLAYERS’ NETWORK

I’m a former fast bowling all-rounder who played for Hampshire, Kent, and Surrey between 2005 and 2016. I’ve gained extensive and diverse experience in the corporate world through the global EY network. This opportunity has allowed me to work with a range of clients – from dynamic high-growth companies and world-renowned sports brands to major global corporations. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of how global businesses operate.

During my time playing, I was the leading wicket-taker in the LV County Championship Division 2 in 2012 with 59 wickets, earned a first-XI County Cap in 2013, and was part of a successful Hampshire County Championship Division 2 title-winning team in 2014. Off the field, I was the Hampshire PCA County representative between 2011-14.

When I stepped away from playing in 2016, I spent a year transitioning from cricket to the corporate world. During this time, I continued coaching aspiring professional players and used my experience to mentor current cricketers to prepare for and navigate the challenges of performance and career transition.

In 2017, I transitioned fully into the corporate world with EY, a global professional services firm, taking up a role as Business Development Manager. I was responsible for leading sales activity across the South East of England, with a core focus on developing and implementing go-to-market strategies across all EY service offerings. My aim was to drive new commercial opportunities for EY from businesses within the Technology and Life Sciences sectors. This role was the catalyst for promotion to Senior Manager in the EY London Life Sciences sector team, where I was responsible for leading EY’s go-to-market approach for the high-growth Life Sciences sector. This saw me lead and manage a portfolio of clients, predominantly emerging and entrepreneurial fast-growth biotechnology, medical technology, and health technology businesses. In parallel to this role, I was also able to use my ten years of professional sport experience to provide strategic support to varied projects across the global sport sector.

In 2023, I moved roles internally to take up an opportunity in EY’s People Consulting Practice with EY Lane4 – a specialist team that integrates a heritage in high-performance sport with behavioural science research to advise global organisations on leadership, learning, team performance, and organisational culture. I’m now a Director at EY Lane4, where I shape our Life Sciences and Sport sector strategies and lead the design and delivery of global leadership, high-performing team, and culture development programmes. My work focuses on helping organisations and individuals unlock their potential through future-fit leadership and performance excellence.

Outside my full-time role, I’m an executive coach and remain deeply connected to the world of cricket – coaching aspiring players, mentoring current and former athletes as they navigate the transition from sport to business, and contributing in an administrative role with MCC on their cricket committee.

I’m the Chief Executive, Belvoir Education and Sports Trust. Previous to this, I enjoyed a 20-year career as a professional cricketer, spending 13 years at Surrey (which I joined aged 18) and seven years at Nottinghamshire.

During this time, I won two championships and two second division titles, and represented England A on three consecutive tours between 1992 and 1993, visiting Zimbabwe and Kenya, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and Bermuda and the West Indies. I retired in 2006 having accumulated 19,991 first-class runs, 46 first-class centuries, and 10 one-day centuries across 20 seasons.

During my playing career, I gained valuable business experience working winters as an account manager for Scottish Courage Brewery (seven years), in the PR department at Nottingham Forest Football Club, and in the cricket office at Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.

After retiring, I joined Warsop Sporting Trust, where I helped establish a £3 million development into a successful business encompassing functions, conferencing, weddings, cricket, football, and bowls. In January 2009, I moved to Belvoir Castle Cricket Trust (now Belvoir Education and Sports Trust) to establish a charity working with disadvantaged, disabled, and able-bodied children through cricket, community development, and countryside programmes around the Belvoir Castle estate. Since the Trust’s inception, we’ve reached over 30,000 children and are currently developing new programmes alongside a new pavilion and indoor hall at Knipton Cricket Ground.
I currently serve on several committees: Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club’s cricket subcommittee (since January 2012), MCC Schools subcommittee, Red Mile Primary School as community governor, and the Lords Taverners Committee, East Midlands region.

I’m married with three children. Outside work, I enjoy cricket, golf, football (lifelong West Ham United supporter), and spending time with my golden retrievers, Lara and Grace.

Since finishing my playing career with Worcestershire and Scotland, I have moved into a career in education and coaching at secondary schools.

I joined Worcestershire CCC in 1992 aged 18 until 1997. Took 6 wickets on FC debut at The Oval v Surrey. In and out of the first team before I was released at the end of the ‘97 season. I then played 6 seasons for Scotland, including the ‘98 Commonwealth Games and ‘99 World Cup. Also had 2 seasons with Durham CCC.

Becoming a Teacher was the goal after cricket and the PCA supported a BSc Hon’s in Sport Science at Manchester Met University. Whilst working at Bromsgrove School, I completed my PGCE at Worcester University. I am now Head of Boys sport at Bromsgrove School, Winterfold. My role at Winterfold also includes being a Form Tutor, coordinating our overseas charity, and organising sports tours. For 10 years I ran a successful business running sports camps in the school holidays. I have continued learning throughout my teaching career, completing a Certificate in Middle Leadership and a Masters in Educational Leadership at Buckingham University.

I would be very happy to help anyone who is thinking of moving into Education or coaching in schools. It is a very rewarding, interesting and challenging career. Help could include discussing options to get qualified to helping arrange some experience in schools.

I am a former player from Gloucestershire CCC. I have transitioned from cricket into the financial services industry where I retrained, got my qualifications, and joined my Dad’s financial advice practice – Cockbain & Associates.

I was a professional there for 12 seasons, playing 57 First Class games, 68 List A, and 158 T20s. I am Gloucestershire’s all-time leading run-scorer in T20.

Some highlights in my career are winning The Hundred with Trent Rockets, playing for the Adelaide Strikers in Australia’s Big Bash, and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League.

I feel I can provide advice and expertise across a few areas, particularly mentoring and guidance from a cricket (batting) point of view on how to approach the game and different scenarios, and how to manage expectations.

Another area where I feel I can provide significant value is financial planning. Having been in the players’ shoes and come out the other side as a financial adviser, I think I am in a good place to offer advice that will resonate with players.

I’m a former professional cricketer who spent four years with Derbyshire County Cricket Club before transitioning into a new career.

After retiring, I spent six months in Melbourne, Australia, continuing to play cricket whilst gaining valuable experience working within the Houses of Parliament in Victoria. This opportunity helped me adapt to life beyond sport and develop strong professional and interpersonal skills.

Returning to the UK, I discovered a growing passion for technology and collaboration, leading me to pursue IT recruitment.

My recruitment journey began at Cloud Decisions as a Microsoft Talent Specialist, sourcing high-calibre professionals for Microsoft Gold Partners across various functions. Though made redundant during COVID-19, I used this period to volunteer locally, delivering essential food supplies to vulnerable residents.

Post-pandemic, I joined Central Technology as an Account Manager before moving to Axess Systems in a similar role. In both positions, I managed long-term client relationships, supported business development, and delivered tailored technology solutions.

I then joined SCC as a Talent Acquisition Business Partner, leading proactive talent sourcing across multiple business functions, enhancing internal mobility, and introducing cost-effective strategies to reduce reliance on external agencies. My time there concluded following a company-wide restructure.

Currently, I work at Advania UK as a Talent Acquisition Specialist, attracting and retaining high-performing professionals across Sales, Operations, Finance, and Professional Services, supporting the growth of a dynamic, people-first organisation.

Throughout my career – both on and off the field – I’ve built a strong foundation in teamwork, communication, and performing under pressure. My journey from professional sport to talent acquisition has fostered a passion for connecting people with opportunities that enable them to excel whilst driving business success through strategic, people-focused recruitment.

I grew up in Sussex and progressed through the youth squads having been first selected at U14. I continued to develop and went onto the YTS scheme at Sussex at 18 and made my 2nd XI debut that year. Signed at 20, my performances dipped, and I was released in 1992. Feeling lost and not knowing which way to turn I joined the Fire Service in 1994, initially as an On-Call firefighter (part time) whilst coaching in schools.

It became apparent really quickly that the environment was very similar to that of a cricket dressing room and similar culture. I eventually joined as a whole-time firefighter (full-time) but had to relocate to Rugby in Warwickshire to take up a post.

31 years on, I have now just retired having enjoyed a fantastic career where I spent 20 years riding fire engines and managing high pressure, life critical incidents. I learned to handle pressure, critical thinking and decision making, communicate, bond as a team but also function as an individual where failure is not an option.

Later I took promotion and started to manage larger scale incidents where I learned management and leadership qualities to drive performance in multiple teams and individuals.

During this time I was the Head Coach of the EPP at Sussex CCC and worked on the academy for many years. I used the skills I had learned coupled with my experiences to help develop technical and mental skills amongst our talented players.

Looking back now I realise my mistakes as a young player and also the learning and knowledge I lacked at the time. Coaching was old school, but I don’t blame the coaches, I just matured later. Having been involved in coaching for years I realise and appreciate the role of the coach.

I’m passionate about development and performance but also honesty, building trust, guidance and personal growth.

My first-class career started in 1979, the summer before going to Durham University. Following my English degree there, I studied for a PGCE at Cambridge to gain my teaching qualification, whilst spending each summer contracted to play for Worcestershire. This was an important period, allowing me to develop my cricket under less immediate career pressure whilst growing as a person.

On joining Worcestershire full time, a number of players were retiring and places had opened up in the 1st XI.

Worcestershire developed through the 1980s, with players of varying backgrounds joining the squad. With Ian Botham, Graham Dilley and Graeme Hick in the side, we went on to win two County Championships and two Lord’s knockout finals across a seven-year period. It was wonderful to play in a team consistently challenging for trophies, and I think that competitiveness added a real edge to my own performance.

A number of Worcestershire players were picked for England during this period, and I was one of them. It was a very different selection policy from nowadays – 26 players represented England in the home series against Australia in 1989 – and it did not produce very good results. I found the media scrutiny intimidating, struggled for confidence, and was happy, ultimately, to return to the comforts of my own county.

Having chaired the PCA for a number of years, I then took over the Worcestershire captaincy in 1992. Our great side had probably peaked, but we continued to be a force, winning one trophy in 1994 and finishing runners-up in two of the other three major competitions that year. On reflection, though, my decision-making was more reactive than proactive, and in 1995 I returned to the ranks as my thoughts turned more towards life after cricket.

I had always taught each winter – a combination of English and games – and that time away from cricket, in a different environment, had kept me fresh and hungry. Now, my enjoyment of playing was diminishing, in part because we were a long way from winning things. I retired in 1997; still playing okay, but my feet weren’t moving as quickly and I didn’t want to stay too long.

I took up a full-time role teaching English and Games at RGS Worcester, where I had spent my previous 14 winters. Being involved with young people as they develop and gain confidence is a wonderful privilege. I also took on the role of Director of Sport alongside my English teaching, and served nine years as a Board Member and Vice-Chairman of Worcestershire. I retired from teaching in 2016, when my own three children had passed through the school. Since then, I have chaired the Foundation at RGS Worcester, raising funds for bursaries, and have recently become a governor of the school.

From Ruthin in North Wales. I joined Glamorgan CCC in 1994 as an off-spinner. I left Glamorgan at the end of 1998 season. I then played for Surrey 2nd XI and Wales Minor Counties up until 2000. I have now been a member of staff for the BBC since 1999.

I was on the staff at Glamorgan for 5 seasons, only managing one First-Class appearance but countless matches for the 2nd XI. I also represented England U-19 and toured Zimbabwe in 1995/96, playing in one Test Match, taking 6 wickets.

I have continued to play club cricket in numerous leagues around the UK and am currently playing for Elton CC in the Greater Manchester Cricket League. I am also the current captain of Wales Over-40s and led them in the inaugural IMC Over 40s World Cup held in Cape Town in 2024, and will do so again in Barbados in 2026.

In terms of work, starting out as a researcher at the BBC, I am currently an Executive Producer for BBC Studios Entertainment. Primarily I work on studio quiz shows, these have included A Question of Sport (over 600 episodes), Mastermind, The Boss, and currently I run both The Weakest Link and The Answer Run for BBC1. I also oversee an annual documentary for BBC Children in Need, and have worked in other departments such as Podcasts and Children’s.

I’d be happy to discuss with any players work in media and broadcasting, and having had some issues myself I am very comfortable in talking to anyone about any mental health struggles, but I do not profess to be any kind of expert. However, I am willing to share my own experiences.

I do feel that with my 25 years + of experience in the media industry I have some insight and knowledge to pass on to anyone looking to explore that as an avenue for a career beyond cricket. I have also remained in the game so even though my relationship with professional cricket is some time ago now, I have kept abreast and feel that I could talk to players of any generation.

Throughout my corporate career, I’ve managed sales teams, branches, and served as Account Director for various firms. During my playing career, injuries taught me the resilience and fortitude required in sport, particularly in an era with limited medical support and pressure to perform through injury.

Despite starting cricket relatively late at 13 or 14, I quickly progressed as an off-spinner, becoming one of the leading wicket-takers in the County U19 national competition aged 15.

Whilst studying Economics at Bristol University, I transitioned from off-spin to seam bowling. I also played for Wiltshire in the Minor Counties Competition as an opening bowler.

In 1981, I secured a summer contract with Hampshire, taking 6-36 on my Championship debut before suffering a stress fracture. After rehabilitating in Australia, I returned for the 1982 season, which proved to be my breakthrough year.

Opening the bowling with the late, great Malcolm Marshall, we took 232 wickets in the Championship that season, and I was touted to tour Australia with England.

Unfortunately, a series of injuries from 1983 onwards – ankle ligaments, knee, and back/hip – ultimately ended my professional career in 1986.

Fortunately, my Economics degree secured me a place on the Halifax Building Society Graduate Management Trainee scheme in 1987, launching a successful career in financial services across lending, banking, and insurance.

I continued playing first-team Western League cricket into my 40s, won the National Knockout Cup with Optimists CC (now Bristol CC) at Lord’s in 1992, and played club cricket and MCC well into my 60s.

My experience encompasses sales management, business planning, mentoring, corporate presentations, strategic thinking, and consultancy for small business enterprises. I have a strong understanding of what the corporate world seeks in its employees and am happy to share my insights and experiences with players navigating the transition from professional sport to business.

I am now semi-retired and currently writing a book.

I started my first class career at 20 with Northern Districts before heading to Derbyshire for four seasons (1982-85). I gave up a Law degree to chase the dream of playing county cricket. As always, I was a perennial underachiever and my contract wasn’t renewed. Within 18 months I’d set up my own business, 18 months after that I was employing 10 people.

Back in New Zealand, a mate got me an interview selling computers to schools. I had no background except a willingness to work on commission only – I’d spent four years being paid on performance, what’s the difference? This was the beginning of the computer boom. By 30 I was chairman of a charitable trust specialising in communication for the disabled.

When my wife was given six months to live, I sold the businesses to focus on her and our baby daughter. Fortunately she beat the doctors’ predictions. I found myself out of work with a young family, so I became a database developer – made a living doing that for 30 years, always working from home, never more than four days a week.

During this time I captained Auckland and later set up the Auckland Cavaliers. By and large I was a fringe player, forever lurking in the shadows when 12th man decisions were being made. I learned about confidence and what a difference it makes to young players.

One of my aphorisms: “whenever you have least reason to be confident, is when you have most need to be confident.” Very hard to do!

These days I’m comfortably retired, travelling and spending time with grandchildren. Most of the guys I play golf with are mates from cricket – my playing days were some of the best of my life despite my lack of success.

From 2011 to 2022, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a professional cricket career as a fast bowler with Lancashire, Hampshire, and Leicestershire. I now work as a Financial Planner at Shackleton Financial.

Across more than 100 professional appearances, one standout moment was being part of the Lancashire side that lifted the T20 Blast trophy in 2015.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, like many players, I reflected on life beyond cricket. After several conversations with Charlie Mulraine, my Personal Development Manager, it became clear that financial planning aligned well with my interests and skills. I began studying for professional qualifications and exploring opportunities, which led to a trainee position at Brooks Macdonald.

I’ve now transitioned fully into my new career as a qualified Financial Planner, working with around 50 clients to manage their finances in a tax-efficient, structured way for short and long-term goals. I’m also working towards Chartered Financial Planner status. In many ways, this career mirrors the discipline, teamwork, and performance mindset I needed during my playing days.

Cricket taught me the importance of preparation, adaptability, and resilience – qualities that have proven invaluable in finance. It gives me satisfaction supporting others in the cricketing community to plan effectively for life after sport.

I’m keen to help current players thinking about life after cricket or wanting to better understand their personal finances. This could include informal discussions about the financial planning profession, advice on qualifications, or industry introductions.

I’m also happy to share insights about managing the transition from sport into a new professional environment, particularly around building confidence and finding purpose.

Since a serious injury ended my career early, I have become a coach, facilitator and founder of Performance Catalyst, a consultancy built on a career in elite sport and underpinned with a passion for human performance.

After 12 years as a professional cricketer-representing Essex CCC, Nottinghamshire CCC, Leicestershire CCC, and gaining international honours with England A and England Lions, I transitioned into business and performance consulting.

My unique journey from professional sport to business leadership has equipped me with a powerful blend of resilience, insight, and practical strategies for achieving excellence. With over a decade of coaching and consulting experience, I have supported senior leaders and teams across sectors including professional services, retail, and elite sport.

I have designed and delivered executive programmes and one-to-one coaching for organisations such as Sainsbury’s, Deloitte, HSBC, and British Athletics. My international experience spans Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, working with leaders in cities including Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Vienna, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Dubai.

My coaching and facilitation style is thoughtful, empathetic, and rooted in a deep understanding of human psychology and performance. Equally effective in one-to-one coaching and group facilitation, I help leaders build clarity, resilience, and connection-unlocking both individual and organisational excellence.

The early end to my playing career, catalysed a deep interest in career reinvention and the search for a truly meaningful and fulfilling career that I could build for myself after professional cricket.

I am always happy to share experiences of different elements of my journey, the lessons I have learnt along the way, starting and growing a business and the importance of networking, passing on good book recommendations and meeting people in person for coffee!

Over 30 years before retiring from full-time work in February 2014, I occupied two of the highest profile and most influential Chief Executive roles within the sector. I dedicated my entire working life to sport, both at elite professional level but particularly in the voluntary and community arena, promoting sport and physical activity for all – not just for its own sake but as a powerful force for social good. I was a leading figure in overhauling and modernising British sport, its structures, processes, diversity, and attitudes.

I was the first Chief Executive of the England & Wales Cricket Board, a position I held for eight years between 1997 and 2004. During this time, cricket underwent unprecedented reform and modernisation, witnessing the birth of Twenty20 Cricket, central contracts for leading England players, establishment of a national cricket academy, and introduction of a two-division First Class County Championship with promotion and relegation. During my tenure, I also oversaw exponential growth in provision and investment for women’s and girls’ cricket, plus a determined drive to attract more people from ethnic minorities to watch, participate, and engage with the sport.

After leaving the ECB, I was appointed CEO of the Sport and Recreation Alliance (formerly the Central Council of Physical Recreation), the umbrella body for national governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK, holding this position from August 2005 until February 2014. The Alliance promoted, protected, and provided for sport and recreation, working to reduce adverse legislative impacts whilst providing quality services to its 320 member organisations. During my tenure, the Alliance led efforts promoting better, more modern, and more inclusive governance within the sector.

Since leaving the Alliance, I have run my own company, TML Sports Connections, acting as consultant, adviser, and mentor within sport and recreation, whilst holding various board director and trustee positions. Educated at Shrewsbury School and The Queen’s College Oxford, where I gained Blues in 1973 and 1974, I played professional first-class cricket for Middlesex and Northamptonshire between 1974 and 1983. I then served as General Manager of Middlesex CCC (1984-1988) and Cricket Secretary, later Deputy Chief Executive, of the Test and County Cricket Board (1988-1996) before my ECB role.

I served seven years on the Cabinet Office Sport Honours Committee, playing an integral part in ensuring more people from previously under-represented groups, particularly ethnic minorities, received National Honours. I am an Honorary Life Member of MCC, several County Cricket Clubs, and the Cricket Writers’ Club. I am married to Denise and we have a daughter, Sophie (born 1983), and a son, Nick (born 1985).

I am 74 years old and an FCA chartered accountant with over 50 years’ experience across a wide range of financial matters.

I’ve specialised in residential property development since 1995, personally developing over 80 residential flats and small houses through my company. I am also insolvency trained, having advised private clients for over 20 years on IVAs, CVAs, debt restructuring, bankruptcies, and liquidations.

My lifelong love of cricket saw me play club cricket until 2 years ago. I was a Surrey 2nd XI player from 1972-1979 and played club cricket for Esher, Teddington, and Blackheath Village, as well as over 100 matches for MCC and countless Wandering Clubs around Surrey and the Home Counties.

I am delighted to help members needing financial advice, particularly with debt management, insolvency issues, or guidance on property development and related corporate matters.

I joined Glamorgan in 1965 as a junior professional, signing full-time two years later, and remained until the end of the 1984 season – a period of 20 years. I played until 1972 before being appointed assistant coach and captain of the Second XI, primarily responsible for developing young players.

My coaching career included three years as Head Coach at Worcestershire CCC in the early 1990s, plus 12 years as Head Coach of Cardiff MCCU, one of six University Centres in the UK (Durham, Loughborough, Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds Bradford). The scheme was originally introduced by the ECB before being administered by the MCC.

My coaching experience extended over 14 UK winters in South Africa with the Transvaal Cricket Union and Western Province Cricket Union, based at Newlands cricket ground in Cape Town, where I also played and coached in the Premier League. I was Head Coach at the University of Cape Town, who competed in the Premier League, and gained coaching experience with New Zealand Cricket Council based in Palmerston. These overseas opportunities provided invaluable experience coaching at all levels of the game.

Between 1984 and 2000, alongside coaching, I was contracted to the TCCB and ECB as a First Class Umpire, gaining invaluable experience officiating in 250 matches and serving as third umpire at Test Matches, One Day Internationals, and domestic one-day Lord’s finals. The umpiring experience was a huge asset in gaining further coaching knowledge.
Whenever available, I worked for BBC Radio Wales Sport as a summariser on one-day Glamorgan matches for 20 years.

In my final couple of years, I gained experience in scouting for both Glamorgan CCC and Warwickshire CCC.

I’ve had wide and varied cricket experience over a long period and would welcome the opportunity to help, especially younger players making their way in the game.

I played over 200 professional cricket matches for Sussex and Scotland, representing Scotland at two World Cups. In 2017, I was forced to retire due to two serious injuries – one to my left wrist and an underlying heart condition. It was a difficult period, stepping away from something that had shaped so much of who I was. However, like in sport, I learned to adapt, reset, and channel that same drive into something new.

Since retiring, I’ve founded and built three businesses. The first was in property investment, specialising in buying at auction and creating long-term value through strategic development. The second was in hospitality, where we secured three sites – two in central London and one in Bournemouth – building something from the ground up in one of the toughest and most dynamic industries.

Today, I run a wealth management and financial advisory business I founded nearly three years ago. We help individuals, families, and business owners achieve financial clarity and design a life that works for them – not just financially, but personally. Our focus is on holistic, long-term planning across every aspect of wealth, from investments and pensions to tax efficiency and estate planning.

Outside of business, I’m a dad to two young children. Balancing career, family, and personal growth has been one of my biggest lessons since leaving professional sport. After undergoing open heart surgery in September 2024, health has taken on even deeper meaning for me. It’s a constant reminder that time is precious, and that building a life by design – not default – matters more than ever.

I spent five years on the staff with Glamorgan, mainly as an all-rounder. After being released during the COVID pandemic in 2020, I decided it was time for a new challenge and made the move into financial services.

During my time as a professional player, I was lucky to play alongside some great people and experience all the ups and downs that come with the game. A career highlight was scoring a hundred as nightwatchman against Worcestershire in 2016!

Like any big change, it took a bit of adjustment when I was released, but the connections I had made from cricket helped massively. Since then, I’ve progressed my way through different roles and attained multiple qualifications, and I’m now a Chartered Financial Planner with Romilly Financial based in South Wales.

My roles involves working with a wide range of clients, helping them plan for the future and make confident financial decisions. No two days are ever the same – everyone’s goals and situations are different, which is what makes the job so interesting and rewarding. Whether it’s helping someone plan for retirement, invest for the future or protect their family, I really enjoy making a difference to my client by providing straightforward, personal advice that helps them feel more in control of their finances.

I am happy to discuss anything relating to financial services, whether that be personal financial guidance or if someone is considering it as a career post cricket.

I’m passionate to support current or former players, whether that’s through a phone/video call/coffee to offer personal financial guidance or to chat about a potential career in financial services. I’m an open book and more than willing to help with anything from exam support to being a sounding board for ideas or conversations players feel might be useful to know more about financial services.

I made my debut for Sussex in 2002 as an off spinner and ended up playing for nearly 20 years as an opening batter for Sussex 2002-2017 and Nottinghamshire 2018-2020. On retiring in 2020 I gained my WPA licence to sell their products and worked within an existing WPA franchise selling health insurance and managing existing accounts within the business.

I was fortunate enough to win 2 county championships, the C&G trophy, Pro40 (twice) and the T20 twice during my career. I represented England Lions, England in the Hong Kong 6s twice and played in the New Zealand domestic T20 for Auckland and Otago.

I also played club cricket in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa most winters and played in the inaugural Champions league in 2009 for Sussex out in India. I scored over 19500 runs in all competitions and somehow took over 175 wickets in professional cricket!

During my career I held the position of PCA rep and spent a lot of time creating links with the local sponsors and community at Sussex. I graduated from Loughborough University before turning pro and completed a range of courses during my time in cricket. Towards the end of my career, I spent time with several businesses to gain experience and during this time I met and experienced working with WPA within their franchise practice.

In March 2024 I purchased my own WPA Health insurance franchise based in Eastbourne and took on over 4500 existing customers. I have grown the portfolio over the last 18 months and have now taken on my own account manager Scott Lenham (brother of former Sussex player Archie Lenham) to help grow and manage the business.

In my spare time I play golf, Padel tennis and am also chairman and president of Horsham Cricket club and a Sussex Cricket Foundation ambassador, I am also an Ambassador of Mannings heath golf and wine estate.

I’m very happy to support conversations on health and wellbeing when retiring, identifying business opportunities and relationship management with sponsors and potential clients/employers.

I spent my career building relationships with everyone I met, and this has made transitioning out of cricket fairly seamless. It is these skills and several key other factors which have meant I have created a rewarding and enjoyable life outside of the game and with some small areas of focus I believe there some important aspects we can all focus on whilst playing and moving out of the game.

My playing career started at Little Lever in the Bolton League some 55 years ago, after playing representative cricket for Lancashire Schoolboys & Young England.

I signed a professional contract for Lancashire in 1980, playing for Lancashire CCC from 1980-88 and Worcestershire from 1988-90. I then played Minor Counties cricket from 1991-2003 for Cumberland, becoming the first non-Cumbrian to captain the county. I also served as league professional at numerous Lancashire League clubs, including Preston, Werneth, Crompton, Denton, and Alderley Edge, to name but a few. I played 12 seasons in Australia in Perth, Canberra, Tasmania, and Bathurst, NSW, as overseas player and coach. I finally hung up my boots in 2003 at the age of 42.

After leaving cricket, I worked for Stuart Surridge, helping to reinvent the brand name after a number of years dormant. I opened an American diner restaurant in Manchester called Shoeless Joe Jackson’s, then leased and ran a pub hotel in Cheshire called the Dixons Arms for five years. Finally, I turned my hand to umpiring, becoming a first-class umpire in 2009, which I continue to this day.

Cricket has been the one true love of my life, meeting and playing with most of the great players of the last 50 years – Botham, Richards, Lloyd, both David and Clive, to name a few.

I’ve experienced some huge highs and some very low lows during my career but wouldn’t swap a single day of it. It’s been a great ride.

As I come towards the end of my umpiring career, I’m looking forward to the next and possibly the last chapter. I’d like to help out in any way I can and, with the help of the PCA, get involved in using my experience to help young cricketers navigate through the pitfalls and mental challenges that we all face during our careers.
In my downtime, I spend a lot of time in the Lake District walking, where I have a cottage, and enjoying playing golf.

I was a professional cricketer for Essex and Derbyshire between 2003 and 2020. I started working in recruitment in 2020 as a recruitment agency consultant before moving to an internal recruitment role within healthcare and, most recently, as a Recruitment Campaign Lead within local government.

My early career was spent playing for Essex age groups and academy before making my first-class debut in 2003 and signing my first professional contract prior to the 2004 season. I had my fair share of injury troubles, including dislocating my shoulder in my third game for Essex. This injury set me back around 18 months but made me a stronger person for it.

I moved to Derbyshire before the 2011 season, where I enjoyed the most successful period of my career. I achieved the landmark of 50+ first-class wickets in 2011, 2012, and 2018. In 2012, I scored my one and only first-class hundred against Australia A, facing an attack consisting of Starc, Johnson, Lyon, and Bird, and took a first-class hat-trick against Leicestershire. I’m very proud of my time with Derbyshire and was rewarded with a testimonial year in 2018.

My proudest moment, however, was winning Division 2 of the County Championship in 2012. Upon finishing my career, I retired as Derbyshire’s leading wicket-taker (374) and holder of the most five-wicket hauls (15) in the 21st century. I also served as lead bowling coach for the county between 2016 and 2018 whilst still a playing member of the first-team squad. Since finishing playing professionally, I’ve continued to play and coach club cricket.

I’m happy to discuss anything cricket-related, with a specialism in seam bowling. I’m also happy to discuss the challenges I faced in my cricket career, as well as managing my mental health as best I can and what I found worked best for me.
Another discussion area would be my transition from professional cricket into the working world, including the challenges that come with this, as well as my experiences within recruitment.

I believe I can offer good insights and advice both within the county game and the wider working world – training and methods that worked for me and how these came to fruition, as well as what areas of support I utilised during my career and how they benefited me.

I was a professional at Glamorgan for 10 years, playing over 100 first-class matches, having joined the playing staff on a full-time basis after graduating from the University of Bath with a Maths and Physics degree in 2006.

During my time as a cricketer, I utilised my winters to gain work experience in a range of fields, including working at the likes of Goldman Sachs and Deloitte. Towards the later stages of my career, I started studying for my MBA.

Using the connections made via the MBA, I retired from cricket in 2014 to start a career at Admiral, a leading UK insurance company. I spent nearly seven years at Admiral before moving to a role with Swiss Re, the world’s largest reinsurer, where I spent four years. In January 2025, I started a new role as Sales Director for UK and Ireland at a French software company who specialise in providing the insurance market with AI-powered software solutions.

Outside my day job, I’ve also gained board experience over the past 7-8 years, having been a non-executive director at Ballet Cymru and Cricket Wales, and currently still with Glamorgan CCC.

Personally, I’m married with three children, one of whom lives with a range of disabilities. We live in Cardiff, though I work in London on a weekly basis.

I hope to help players by sharing my experiences in preparing for life after cricket, what’s important in today’s job market, and generally being a person to bounce ideas off and provide an unbiased perspective on how they wish to plan for the future.

After my professional career came to an end, I initially worked in PR. I began coaching part-time alongside my PR work, before changing careers completely to become a full-time coach.

I played for Lancashire from U11s (1987) through to U19s, then 2nd XI as an amateur and professionally 1999-2002. Highlights include MOM on NatWest debut, two second-place County Championship finishes, and being the club’s leading wicket taker in 2000 (60 wickets).

After cricket, I enrolled on a Master’s in Public Relations, despite never wanting to work in an office and not fully understanding what PR actually involved. I worked in PR for almost 6 years with clients including Whitbread, Bank of Scotland Corporate, and Manchester City Football Club.

While in PR, I began coaching for Manchester City Council, running group sessions for adults. Many had limited experience but loved it so much they formed their own club. This became the highlight of my week and prompted me to pursue coaching as a career.

I completed the Level 3 coaching course and in 2010 was offered a job as Cricket Professional at Magdalen College School, Oxford. Recognizing schools require broader capabilities, I undertook Level 1 courses in hockey, rugby, and football.

In November 2010 I became Head of Cricket at Ipswich School (also completing Level 4). I moved to Brighton College as Director of Cricket in 2013, then to Roedean as Head of Performance and Head of Cricket in January 2020.

Alongside school work, I coach on the Sussex CCC pathway and EPP, coach a local club, provide 1-2-1 sessions, and mentor coaches taking their Level 3 award.

Running cricket programmes in independent schools, coaching multiple sports, pastoral work, and mentoring colleagues. Managing multiple roles simultaneously – I currently balance four jobs.

I’ve had two very different careers post-cricket, so I know from experience you might not immediately find something you love. Sometimes you have to try something to know if it’s for you.

Players can spend time with me at school to see what a typical day looks like – how independent schools operate, expectations, and what’s needed to prepare for applications.

I played professional cricket as a top order batter between 2008-2017, making over 200 appearances primarily for Leicestershire CCC and later Nottinghamshire CCC, scoring over 7,000 runs across all formats. I have now transitioned to a career in education.

After retiring in 2017, I worked in corporate FX broking at Monex Europe in London before realising it wasn’t the right path. I moved into cricket coaching at Harrow School and Dulwich College, but wanting deeper involvement in school life prompted me to retrain as a teacher. I completed my PGCSE at Middlesex University whilst teaching at two North London secondary schools, then spent two years as a Geography teacher at Kelmscott School in Walthamstow. I’m now in my fourth year at Shrewsbury School, where I work as a Geography teacher, Assistant Housemaster, and sports coach for cricket and golf. I’m also married with three children aged five and under, who keep life in Shropshire colourful and busy.

Mentoring schemes can benefit both parties considerably. During my PGCSE training, an assigned mentor significantly accelerated my classroom learning and confidence. As recently as September, I sought professional mentorship from a colleague in the Housemaster role I aspire to. Our weekly meetings, where we discuss his professional challenges candidly, help me understand the role better and learn from his seven years’ experience.

I’m acutely aware of the turbulence that ending a sporting career brings. In my pastoral care work with young people, I understand the importance of speaking openly about circumstances, aspirations, and worries. If my experiences, perspective, or understanding can smooth players’ transitions, that’s time well spent. I’d offer an empathetic, calm sounding board and, hopefully, some hard-won wisdom along the journey.

I’m a former international cricketer who played county cricket for 20 years. Since retiring, I’ve held various roles in the game, beginning as Academy Director at my home county of Essex and culminating in a 10-year stint as National Lead Spin Bowling Coach.

I remain active in coach education, heading up the Spin Bowling Module on the Level 4 Coaching Programme and running my own spin bowling coaching business during winter. In summer, I currently work as a Match Referee in county cricket. My main expertise lies in coaching and officiating, though I also have experience running my own business, The Spin Academy, which complements my match refereeing work.

I hope to provide insight to players considering careers in coaching or match officiating, exploring pathways, requirements, and transition benefits by offering a sounding board and sharing experiences.

The PCA asked me to put myself forward as a mentor, which I’m delighted to do as a way of giving back to the game and the Association that supported my transition from playing. I’ve been privileged to remain within cricket, a game I genuinely love.

I consider myself honest, passionate, hard-working, and resilient – someone who sees things through. I intend to bring these qualities to mentoring, along with a good listening ear, insightful questions and thoughts, plenty of patience, and the occasional challenge when needed.

Hello, I am Arul and I played for Somerset CCC from 2001 to 2013. I retired in 2013 as a result of an injury and transitioned to education as my secondary profession.

Originally from Malaysia, I was fortunate enough to be awarded a scholarship to attend Millfield School when I was twelve years old. After graduating from Millfield, I pursued a degree in Accounting and Finance at Exeter University. I started playing for Somerset at the U12 level and worked my way up to the First XI.

Between 2014 and 2019, I served as the Director of Cricket at Queen’s College in Somerset and taught Accounting and Business Studies for A-Levels and GCSEs. I am currently employed at a day care centre that provides independence and purpose to vulnerable adults with learning disabilities. This is a position that I thoroughly enjoy. In addition, I am an Inclusion Champion for the PCA.

With a deep understanding of the modern professional cricket environment, I would like to support players navigate through the pressures of selection, form, contracts, injury recovery, and transitions between levels of the game. My mentoring approach is built on the belief that technical skill alone is not enough; mindset, emotional control, decision-making, and personal discipline are equally critical to sustained success.

Beyond performance, I place strong emphasis on character, professionalism, and life balance. I mentor players on managing expectations, handling external noise, and building healthy habits that support longevity in the game. This includes guidance on goal-setting, accountability, communication, and maintaining perspective in a results-driven environment.

My mentoring style is direct, supportive, and grounded in real-world experience of competitive sport. I challenge players to take ownership of their development while providing a trusted space for honest reflection and growth. The aim is not just short-term performance gains, but the development of confident, adaptable cricketers who can thrive across the different phases of a professional career.

Throughout my career, I have encountered my fair share of mental and personal obstacles, but I continue to put in a lot of effort and want to support and assist people wherever I can, no matter how small the task. Ultimately, my role is to help you maximise your potential — not only as a player, but as a professional and an individual.

Since my playing career ended, I have worked across a diverse number of roles, including coaching, personal training and in the fire service. I am now living proof that there can be life after cricket with different experiences around the world and at home.

I was a very late developer with my cricket being involved in the Herefordshire CCC pathway (u14s-u19s). During this time, I did my level 1 and 2 ECB coaching qualifications and made my minor counties debut at 16 years of age while also playing Birmingham premier league cricket for Kidderminster CC. This got me spotted by the MCC Younger cricketers at 18 where I was given my first contract in 2004. Living in London and training at lords every day was the greatest place to learn and develop. Being with the YC’s for 3 seasons as well, as going away for the winters to play grade cricket in Perth and Melbourne, improved the opportunities I had as well as my all-round cricket ability and some much-needed life skills.

After coming back from Melbourne in 2007, I hit the ground running with the YC’s which sparked the interest of Glamorgan CCC, Gloucestershire CCC and Somerset CCC which later got me signed for Somerset CCC where I spent 3 seasons.

Sadly, I got released and tried my best to get back in the game with Kent CCC and Leicestershire CCC. However, I played my last professional game in 2013. I went into working three jobs (bar work, teaching PE and coaching for Worcestershire CCC), and was then given the opportunity to lead the Worcestershire boys pathway as a full-time employee.

During my 9 years at Worcestershire CCC as head of the boys’ pathway I would go on to become a Coach educator, complete my level 3 and level 4 ECB coaching qualifications, work with the Professional staff, run the fast-bowling group for the academy and lead several second XI games.

I then went on to become the Head High Performance Coach at Warwickshire CCC in 2023, running the academy, leading the fast-bowling age groups down the pathway, leading a lot of second XI games and working very closely with the first XI as well.

I’ve looked at a career change in the last year which has led me to become a personal trainer with Pure Gym, but now I have been accepted into the fire service where I’ll train for 3 months and be deployed to an RAF base in High Wycombe.

I have experienced the highs and lows in a playing career, the understanding of what goes through a coach’s mind when selecting, giving feedback and making players better.

Currently working across three organisations, I hold the roles of Girls Early Engagement Phase Lead and Girls Hawks Academy Lead at Hampshire Cricket, Assistant Women’s Coach at Sussex Cricket, and Girls Cricket Coach at Seaford College – a combination that gives me great experience and variety across the game.

I played for Hampshire from the age of 11 before going on to represent the Southern Vipers from 2020 to 2024. Career highlights include winning the County Championship with Hampshire in 2018 and winning the inaugural Rachel Heyhoe Flint Trophy in 2020 – taking home the Player of the Match award for career-best figures of 6-34 in the final at Edgbaston. The Vipers went on to become the most successful team in the competition over several years. I also represented the Southern Brave during the first year of the Hundred in 2021, playing with and against some of the best players in the world.

After stepping away from playing, my focus turned to coaching. I began as a freelance coach before landing my first full-time role with Hampshire, shortly followed by two part-time positions with Sussex Cricket and Seaford College. I also do radio commentary for the BBC when the opportunity arises – something I really enjoy.

I am keen to help young players navigate their careers – whether that’s talking through her own journey, offering advice on next steps, or helping them connect with others in their field of interest.

I have worked in development and planning for five years, completing two university degrees after my playing career came to an end aged 20.

I’m 29 years old and originally from Durham. I was part of the Durham cricket pathway from the age of 11 to 18, spending three years in the Academy and representing the 2nd XI at 17 and 18. Unfortunately, I was released at 18, but I was fortunate to secure a place on the MCC Young Cricketers programme, where I spent two invaluable years at Lord’s.

Moving away from the North East was both an exciting and daunting experience. During that time, I spent three winters playing cricket in Australia and New Zealand between the ages of 18 and 21. In my final year with the MCC, it became clear that a professional county contract was unlikely. Although I had some strong performances against good quality opposition, I struggled with consistency. This period prompted me to consider what I wanted to do next with my career. Many of my friends were already working or finishing university, and I felt I was a step behind.

While in the Durham Academy, I had remained in school to complete my A Levels, which allowed me to explore university options. After careful thought, I applied for an integrated undergraduate and master’s degree in Town Planning at Newcastle University. During my studies, I was able to work as an Academy Pathway Coach at Durham, thanks to a strong relationship with the Academy Director, who supported my need for flexibility. Although the COVID-19 pandemic brought that role to an end, I still enjoy assisting with County age group coaching during the winter months.

After five years of study, including a year in industry, I graduated from Newcastle. My placement year was with Banks Group, a local property development company, where I gained valuable hands-on experience in a professional environment very different from the cricket field. After completing my degree, I was offered a full-time position as a Graduate Development Planner within their property team. The company has since gone until housebuilding which requires a new set of skills and poses challenges we had not previously experienced in property/land trading.

I have now been with the company for over five years and am progressing into a Senior Development Planner role, mentoring new graduates and soon taking on line management responsibilities. If you had asked the 16-year-old version of me, then an ambitious Durham Academy player, what I’d be doing at nearly 30, this wouldn’t have been the answer – but I’ve grown to really enjoy both my career and lifestyle. I still play cricket and captain my local club side, Chester-le-Street CC, who compete in the North East Premier League.

I think it is important to recognise that moving away from professional cricket, whether at 21 or 35, is not the end. If anything, it allows you to explore other opportunities you were unable to do whilst playing cricket.

After playing professional cricket for 17 years until retiring in 2014, I’m now a fully qualified ECB Level 4 Coach, specialising in High Performance Leadership, Batting, and Fielding.

I currently hold the position of Assistant Coach and Batting Lead at Surrey County Cricket Club, three-time winners of the County Championship, and Oval Invincibles, three-time champions of The Hundred. I’ve also worked at

Somerset CCC as an Assistant and held Head Coach and interim Director of Sport roles at Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Birmingham Bears. I was part of the conception of the South Asian Cricket Academy and have worked with England Lions, England Young Lions, Melbourne Renegades, Birmingham Phoenix, and Trent Rockets Women. I’m also completing a Masters in Leadership in Sport.

My areas of expertise include coaching, transitioning out of playing careers, leadership, high-performance winning cultures, decision-making, coaching development, education, and qualifications.

I’m well positioned to help players thinking about careers beyond playing, those who’ve recently retired and want to explore coaching but don’t know where to start, or ex-players who have absolutely no idea how to transition from the game they loved.

I was fortunate to have a 12 year professional cricket career, playing for Durham, Derby and Middlesex.

I saw the world and made some great friends, playing club cricket in Perth and Auckland and touring with England U18’s and U19’s and latterly on MCC A tours. But at the age of 28, I had to “join the real world”. My first role was with Northern Rock who were the main sponsor for Middlesex at the time. I qualified for their graduate scheme thanks to the degree I did while on contract at Durham, and was very grateful for the experience they gave me in Marketing and Customer Service over 5 years. When the financial crises struck, I spoke to a friend in recruitment and ended up working for him for 5 years. This was my first taste of Sales, and I quickly realised this was where I wanted to be. I’ve since worked in various sales roles, mainly in software and SaaS, covering national and international markets.

7 years ago, I moved into more management roles, and built strong sales teams in my last 2 roles. I’m currently Chief Revenue Officer for an IT Service business in Newcastle helping it to scale following PE investment. I’ve taken a lot from my sporting career into my professional roles and strongly believe in the transferable skills. I was the PCA rep at Middlesex and am very grateful for the support the PCA have given me over the years.

I feel very comfortable acting as a mentor to help people transition from Cricket to life after cricket. I recruit a lot and know recruitment well, so I can help people in the North East with finding roles or connect to people who can.

After a decade-long professional cricket career playing for Middlesex CCC, I retired in October 2024, having fulfilled a childhood dream of representing my boyhood club. Since retiring, I have transitioned into the financial services sector, having initially joined David James Wealth as a Client Relationship Manager while still playing.

Over ten seasons, I played more than 60 first-team matches, with a highlight scoring a First Class Century at Lord’s. A loan spell to Essex in 2019 was a great experience being involved in their County Championship-winning campaign.

Throughout my cricketing journey, I made a conscious effort to balance my sporting ambitions with preparations for the inevitable transition to life beyond professional sport. Knowing that a sporting career can be finite, I used the off-seasons and particularly the winter months to acquire knowledge and develop skills beyond the cricket field. This proactive approach allowed me to prepare for the challenges many athletes face when their playing days come to an end.

After earning the Diploma for Financial Advice (DipFA), I took on the role of a full-time Financial Planner, delivering comprehensive financial advice to high-net-worth and complex clients.

Additionally, I have remained closely connected to sport through my volunteering work as a trustee at Ealing Cricket Club, where I managed the Junior Section, overseeing approximately 500 children.

I understand firsthand the excitement and fulfilment of playing professional sport at a high level, as well as the uncertainty and challenges that come with retiring and moving into a new career path. Many professional players struggle to identify and prepare for their second careers while still competing, and I’m really passionate about helping players through this complex process.

I would love to sit down with current players who are beginning to think about the next chapter and discuss their strengths, interests and how they could align these with future careers. I would also be happy to discuss financial planning/investment management/mortgage advisor as possible careers as well as relevant qualifications.

I joined Quilter Cheviot and the Investment/Wealth Management industry in 2017 following a seven-year professional sports career with Leicestershire CCC spanning 2008-2015.

While I believed my prospects were quite broad at the time of transitioning career, I wanted to build on my strengths and transferable skills, as well as my Open University degree in Economics that I completed alongside my time in professional sport.

Looking back, I am pleased with my choice of second career. I firstly allowed myself time, spending winters in both Australia and New Zealand, to make the important decision as to what was important to me from a job and a career perspective. Any role within financial services requires additional exams and learning, and my route was no different.

Three initial years of ongoing exams have meant that now, as a Chartered Investment Manager, I manage investment portfolios on behalf of wealthy individuals, trusts and investment companies.

I am continuously able to learn and develop, problem-solve on a daily basis, push myself towards aligned personal and client goals, whilst also building long-standing, trustworthy relationships with clients.

I would be more than happy to discuss anything related to financial services, especially with anyone looking to find out more about investment management, financial planning, or similar related fields.