Gareth Batty has finally been confirmed as Surrey’s permanent head coach after winning the County Championship during his interim spell in charge this summer.
Batty joined Surrey’s coaching staff full-time a year ago after announcing his playing retirement, initially as an assistant, but was then asked to fill the void as head coach in January after predecessor Vikram Solanki quit to take up a post in the IPL with the newly-formed Gujarat Titans.
Under Batty’s leadership, Surrey enjoyed a magnificent season, winning a 21st Championship and going unbeaten until losing the final game of the campaign away to Lancashire, with the title already secured.
Despite disappointment in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals after a sensational group stage, the 45-year-old could hardly have delivered a more convincing job interview and has now duly been handed the permanent role.
“I’m honoured to have been given the opportunity to be head coach at this great club on a permanent basis,” Batty said. “This year has been an incredible season and a steep learning curve for me as a coach but I have absolutely loved every second of it.
“The hard work put in by the coaching staff and the players was crucial in the success this year and we’re looking to get straight back to it as pre-season begins. There’s a huge amount of potential in this group of players and I’m excited to get going again with our eyes firmly set on more success in 2023.”
Alec Stewart, director of cricket at Surrey, added: “After a full and proper process, Gareth was the outstanding candidate for the role of Head Coach of Surrey’s men’s side and has fully earned his opportunity. Alongside our backroom team, Gareth did an outstanding job last season, handling all the challenges that were thrown his way.
“Batts is one of the most hard-working and forward thinking people in the game and his deep knowledge, commitment and dedication to the job that he brings every single day is a massive positive. His enthusiasm and his passion is infectious and this has been very well received by the group.”
