Davis, Nash set to depart Sussex

Mark Davis, the head coach, and Chris Nash, a senior player, are both to leave Sussex.

The departure of Davis is expected to be announced later on Tuesday following a review of a bitterly disappointing 2017 season. The club's failure to achieve promotion despite investing heavily in imported players was one factor that counted against Davis, though it is understood he also lost the confidence of some senior players.

Nash, who is in the latter stages of a benefit season with the club and had a year left on his contract, has requested his own release. He is understood to have been disappointed at being overlooked as captain when Luke Wright stepped down during the summer.

Both men have been involved with the club for many years. Nash, now aged 34, developed through the youth system at the club from the age of eight and, having made his first team debut in 2002, played in squads that won the County Championship in 2006 and 2007, List A trophies in 2006, 2008 and 2009 and the T20 competition in 2009. He averaged 27.52 in first-class cricket in 2017.

Davis made his debut for the club as a player in 2001 and was appointed head coach at the end of 2015. He had previously been 2nd XI coach.

"Chris requested to be released as he wishes to take his career in another direction," the club said in a statement. "As part of our longer-term plans to move the club forward we have agreed to this request.

"Everyone at Sussex Cricket would like to thank Chris for his long and distinguished service to the club since first playing for the club as a junior. We wish him all the best and look forward to welcoming back to Hove in the future."