Richard Bedbrook named as England Women's Head of Performance Pathways.

Richard Bedbrook has been appointed as the new England Women's Head of Performance Pathways.

Bedbrook, who is currently the regional director for South East Stars, will take up his new position at the conclusion of the Charlotte Edwards Cup next month, where he will oversee the England Women's A and Under-19 programmes to help develop players for international cricket.

"I'm really looking forward to my new role with the ECB and to have an opportunity to make an impact on the international game," Bedbrook said. "We want to be preparing and supporting players both on and off the pitch to give them the very best chance of doing themselves justice when they step onto the pitch to represent England Women for the first time."

Bedbrook has spent 18 of the past 19 seasons at the Kia Oval after joining as Assistant Manager of the Surrey Cricket Centre in 2003. He went on to work as a Community Coach and with the County Age Group programme before spending a year with the ICC as European Development Officer.

He returned to the club in 2008 as Performance Manager in the Surrey Men's Academy, where he helped oversee the early stages of the careers of players including Sam and Tom Curran, Ollie Pope, Ryan Patel, Amar Virdi and Jamie Smith.

At the launch of the Kia Super League in 2016, Bedbrook was seconded to the Surrey Stars, coaching them to the title in 2018, and helping to hone the talents of Nat Sciver, Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley and Mady Villiers. In his subsequent role as regional director, he worked with a new generation of women's players, including Alice Capsey, Bryony Smith, Dani Gregory and Aylish Cranstone, the club's new captain.

"I am truly thankful for all the experiences and memories I have gained at Surrey and am very proud of the roles I have had and how those have impacted on a number of players across the women's and men's game," Bedbrook said. "I'd like to send my best wishes to all my colleagues at the South East Stars, at Surrey CCC and across the London & South East region for their continued hard work in developing the women's game."

Jonathan Finch, Director England Women's Cricket, said, "Richard has been instrumental in developing the women's and girls' performance programmes for Surrey and South East Stars and has an in depth knowledge of domestic and international cricket. "This exciting role will enable us to work closely with the Regions to ensure players receive the best possible support as part of the England Women's Player Pathway."