Alec Stewart will step into the role of High-Performance Cricket Advisor at Surrey, ensuring the club’s continued success and talent development.
Alec Stewart will continue to serve Surrey County Cricket Club as the newly appointed High-Performance Cricket Advisor starting in January 2025. This appointment comes on the heels of Stewart’s 11-year tenure as the club’s director of cricket, a position during which he successfully guided the team to three consecutive County Championship titles and a total of four victories since he began his role in 2013. His decision to step down from the director position was influenced by personal circumstances, particularly the health challenges faced by his wife Lynn, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. This situation necessitated Stewart taking a leave of absence earlier this year.
In a strategic move, the club has opted not to appoint a direct replacement for Stewart’s former role, a decision that aligns with earlier discussions on restructuring the management to accommodate his exit. Stewart previously highlighted the importance of understanding the unique culture and expectations at Surrey, emphasizing that familiarity with the club provides a significant advantage. He believes that grasping the magnitude and the legacy of Surrey and its home ground, the iconic Kia Oval, is essential for anyone stepping into a leadership role.
Now, with his new responsibilities, Stewart’s focus will be to ensure the ongoing success of the men’s elite cricket program. He will collaborate directly with the men’s head coach Gareth Batty and club captain Rory Burns. This arrangement allows Stewart to continue exerting his influence and knowledge at the club, supporting the development of the team’s competitive strategies.
Stewart possesses a profound commitment to Surrey, a sentiment he conveyed when discussing his excitement for this new role. He expressed confidence in the potential for sustained success within the club, reaffirming his enthusiasm for maintaining strong working relationships with Batty, Burns, and the wider team. Under Stewart’s stewardship, a total of 12 players have debuted for England, with nine emerging from the club’s Talent Pathway—more than any other county. Notable names among these are Ollie Pope, the current Test captain, as well as rising stars Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith, who distinguished themselves during the 2024 summer season.
Recognition for Stewart’s role in fostering young talent is widespread, with players like Ollie Pope acknowledging the profound impact he had on their careers. Pope, who first crossed paths with Stewart in his early years, expressed that he cannot envision the environment at the Kia Oval without his guidance and support. This underscores Stewart’s ongoing commitment to advising on the Surrey Talent Pathway, aimed at nurturing a continuous influx of skilled cricketers who are capable of competing for both their county and the national team.
Surrey’s chair, Oli Slipper, acknowledged the club’s understanding and respect for Stewart’s decision to take a step back year, noting their desire to retain his wealth of knowledge and expertise. Discussions between Slipper and Stewart paved the way for a role that supports both the club’s needs and Stewart’s personal circumstances. Steve Elworthy, the club’s CEO, reinforced Stewart’s pivotal role in establishing not only trophy-winning teams but also a robust pipeline of talent through the infrastructure of the Talent Pathway. Elworthy expressed enthusiasm for the continuity of Stewart’s influence in shaping the club’s professional framework, albeit in a modified capacity.
This transition in Stewart’s career ensures that the familial legacy of the Stewart family within the Surrey Cricket framework persists into its eighth decade. Alec Stewart’s father, Micky Stewart, commenced his 18-year playing career at Surrey in 1954 before transitioning to a managerial role until 1986. Alec himself has a long association with the club, having played from 1981 to 2003, culminating in the renaming of the main entrance at the Vauxhall End in his honor in 2006. Further cementing this legacy, his brother Neil serves as a longstanding coach within the club academy.
As Surrey gears up for the new season under this restructured leadership, the strategic focus on high performance, a commitment to nurturing emerging talent, and a deep understanding of the club’s heritage will undoubtedly form the bedrock of their future cricketing endeavors. The synergy between Stewart’s rich experience and the club’s aspirations positions Surrey well for continued success in English cricket.
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