Barwell succeeds Rouse at Edgbaston

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Steve Rouse has stepped down from his role as Warwickshire's head groundsman but will still work with the youth teams at Edgbaston

Gary Barwell has been appointed as Warwickshire’s new head groundsman following Steve Rouse’s decision to step down.

Rouse, who has been involved with the Edgbaston club for more than four decades and took on the position of head groundsman in 1993, is retiring from his role but will continue working with Warwickshire’s youth teams.

His replacement, Barwell, has more than 18 years experience, most recently as deputy head groundsman at Trent Bridge.

Barwell said: “Being made head groundsman with overall responsibility for the square and outfield at Edgbaston is a dream opportunity, and I’m looking forward to continuing Steve’s work by providing great pitches at this world class venue for many years to come.”

Warwickshire chief executive Colin Povey added: “Replacing a head groundsman like Steve was certainly not an easy task, but Gary has good experience of preparing pitches and knows the process he will face having had experience of a Test match venue, so was the perfect candidate for this role.

“I would like to thank Steve for all of the great work that he’s done over the years and I am pleased he will continue this involvement with our youth teams.”

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