Ian Salisbury departs co-head coach position at Sussex

Sussex have announced that Ian Salisbury, the club's Championship and 50-over coach, will leave his position at the end of the season. Salisbury had reportedly been placed on gardening leave following a non-cricketing dispute with one of his players.

Salisbury was appointed as co-head coach, alongside James Kirtley, in 2020. He inherited a young squad and, despite several players making good progress, Sussex have won just twice in red-ball cricket over the last two seasons - although they did make a run to the semi-finals of this year's Royal London Cup.

"We would like to thank Ian for his contribution to the club over the last couple of years and wish him well for the future in whatever this may hold," Rob Andrew, Sussex's chief executive, said. "He has helped develop a very promising group of young players and we are looking forward to seeing them develop further in the next few years."

Kirtley admitted the situation with Salisbury, who had not been involved with the first team since mid-August, was "an obvious distraction" during Sussex's final Championship game of the season, against Glamorgan at Hove, which ended on Thursday in a draw, leaving them second from bottom in Division Two.

Salisbury was described as being "not part of the business" earlier this week, with the BBC reporting that the issue centred on his handling of young offspinner Jack Carson.

On leaving the club where he played between 1989-1996, Salisbury said: "I've really enjoyed my time at Sussex for last two years and the journey has really helped me after the loss of my wife. However it's the right thing for myself and daughter to look for a fresh challenge.

"I want to thank the backroom staff, ground staff, foundation, office staff, catering and stewards for their support throughout my time at Hove. Whoever takes over from myself will inherit a very talented homegrown squad who if supported from above are ready to fly in the next few years."