Wilkinson leaves Headingley

Richard Wilkinson in 1999

Yorkshire have announced that their Academy coach, Richard Wilkinson, is leaving the club to run his own cricket coaching business.

Wilkinson spent eight years in the role of captain and coach of the young Tykes, after three seasons playing for Yorkshire Second XI.

Wilkinson said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my eight years at Headingley Carnegie and believe I have contributed significantly to the development of one of the best cricket development programmes in the country.

“I am looking forward to using the skills and experiences I have picked up at Yorkshire to set up my own coaching business and providing a service to schools, colleges and cricket clubs particularly in the South Yorkshire area.”

Stewart Regan, Yorkshire chief executive, paid tribute to Wilkinson.

“Richard has contributed significantly over the past few years to the success of our cricket development programmes for up-and-coming cricketers,” said Regan.

“We supported his Level Four coaching application and would like to thank him for his work and wish him well in his new venture.

“I hope he continues to assist the club in whatever way he can and provide external coaching support if we should need it in the future.”