Paul Shaw to step down as Thunder Head Coach

Paul Shaw will step down from his role as Head Coach of Thunder at the end of the season.

Shaw’s held the position for four seasons after he was appointed interim Head Coach of the Region for the 2020 season before taking the job on a permanent basis. He will step down at the end of this season in order to spend more time with his family.

The 50-year-old has overseen a significant period of progression for Thunder which has seen a core of young, local players develop whilst also adding quality signings which culminated in the region reaching Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day for the first time ever in June this year.

In addition, during Shaw’s tenure, Emma Lamb received international recognition and an ECB Central Contract, whilst Mahika Gaur has recently been called up to the senior England squad for the series against Sri Lanka. Kate Cross and Sophie Ecclestone have continued to be mainstays in the England team across all formats, too.

Speaking about his decision, Paul Shaw said: “When I took on the role of Head Coach three years ago, David Thorley and Paul Allott asked me to help manage the professional transition of the women’s game and embed strong foundations across the Thunder Pathway.

“Although I’m genuinely saddened at leaving the role, three years on I’m really happy with the progress we have made. Particularly in creating a player development pathway that is self-sustaining, with the inclusion and development of County Age Group Programmes, Emerging Player Programme, Thunder Academy, and a Senior Thunder Programme.

“The pathway is now starting to identify and develop players of high potential. As a result of this, our programmes are now producing a larger number of players representing England at all levels, Scotland and we also have many players playing in The Hundred.

“It’s been pleasing to see the development of our young Thunder senior team over the last few years. The foundations that have been put in place are already leading to much better performances and improved results culminating with the Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day for the first time this summer.

“We have a group of players that I have really enjoyed working with and to see their growth and development as cricketers and individuals is fantastic. My successor will find themselves a strong, young, and exciting squad to work with.

“I’d like to say thank you to an outstanding staff team that work tirelessly behind the scenes and across the pathway. They each offer great skills, knowledge and insight that has contributed hugely to raising the standards and improving performance. Special thanks to David Thorley, Daniel Gidney, Paul Allott and Mark Chilton for their support over the last three years.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time working with such a great club and outstanding people. I wish Lancashire Cricket and the Thunder programme every success in the coming years.”

Regional Performance Director of Women’s Cricket, David Thorley, commented: “When Paul came to us in 2020, initially on a one season agreement, he made a huge impact on the squad. So, we were delighted when he agreed to stay on and help to create strong performance foundations across the structures and pathways.

“From those early Covid-affected seasons to now, Paul has helped evolve the playing and coaching staff and lead us into the professional era, culminating in reaching our first Finals Day as a region earlier this summer.

“He leaves the squad and the whole set-up in a better place and, although we are sad to lose Paul, we respect his decision. On behalf of the players and staff from Academy level right through to First Team, I thank him for the last four years and wish him and his family well for the future. This has been one of the best working relationships in my career and I’m sure that Thunder will continue to do him proud in the years to come with these strong foundations laid.

“The search for Paul’s successor is already underway and we will provide an update in due course.”