Surrey academy director Gareth Townsend announces departure

Gareth Townsend, Surrey’s academy director for the last 27 years and the person who has been instrumental in establishing a talent pathway which has seen a host of young cricketers graduate to first-class and international honours, has announced he will be leaving Surrey at the end of the season.

Current England stars including club captain Rory Burns, Ollie Pope, Sam and Tom Curran, Jason Roy and Dominic Sibley have graduated from the Surrey academy and age group system, as well as a further 10 members of the current Surrey squad.

“Developing homegrown players for Surrey and England has always been my goal and my remit, and I believe we have fulfilled that over my time,” said Townsend, pictured left. “Most importantly, I leave a structure that is well established and highly successful.

“Surrey winning the County Championship in 2018 was one of many highlights – particularly as it was achieved with a core of academy graduates. In addition, watching Sam Curran, Ollie Pope and Dominic Sibley, three academy graduates, represent England in the victorious Newlands Test in 2018-19.

“When presenting over recent years to all the incoming parents and aspiring young boys and girls at Surrey, it was so important that they felt and believed a journey to represent Surrey at the highest level was an achievable dream. I believe we made that a genuine reality and something more.

“I wish the county club great success for the future and the hope that the current crop of young players coming through can fulfil their dreams and ambitions.”

Charlie Hodgson, Surrey’s interim chief executive, said: To see evidence of his achievements, all you need to do is look at the Surrey and England sides in recent years. The harnessing and development of talent – allowing young cricketers to achieve their potential and go on to play for Surrey and England – is one of the most important aspects of what we do as a club.”