McGrath to give support from top to bottom at Yorkshire

Former Yorkshire and England all-rounder McGrath, who retired from first-class cricket last February, has been appointed on an ad hoc basis to give broad support to the county’s playing staff.

McGrath, 38, will provide coaching expertise to all age groups and help Yorkshire’s players prepare for life after professional cricket.

The role – believed to be the first of its type in county cricket – will see McGrath take up work immediately as Yorkshire plan for the new season.

“I am delighted to be back involved at Yorkshire,” said McGrath, one of the most popular players in the club’s recent history.

“I still have some very close friends at the club – both on the playing and management side – and I feel that my skills and experience can benefit all aspects of cricket.

“I’ll be looking to get involved with a cross-section of the playing department, from offering coaching to the young players trying to make the grade, to mentoring those players that are getting close to retirement.

“Since my own retirement, I have learned so much about life away from the game, and it can be a difficult transition, and my experiences and knowledge on how I came to terms with a new career can help those players that are starting to look at their future beyond professional cricket.”

McGrath is set to meet Yorkshire’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon in the next few days to firm up his immediate duties.

Moxon is delighted to have his former team-mate back on board.

“It will be great to have ‘Mags’ available to work with and mentor our players,” he said.

“His vast experience and knowledge, allied to a recent playing career, will be invaluable in helping us bring through the next generation of Yorkshire cricketers.”

Yorkshire’s chief executive Mark Arthur commented: “In the first six months I have been with Yorkshire, it is obvious what great respect people have for Anthony as a person and as a coach.

“We are fortunate to be able to tap into his range of abilities, which will undoubtedly help us thrive. We will be hiring his services on a consultancy basis throughout the year.”

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Pioneer McGrath: Page 11.