Giles returns to Warwickshire as director of cricket

Warwickshire have completed the signing of Ashley Giles as their new director of cricket.

Giles, a former Warwickshire player and coach, had been the club’s first choice for the position long before they sacked Dougie Brown in October. Giles was contracted to Lancashire until the end of 2017, however, and it is understood that negotiations between the clubs were only concluded on Christmas Eve.

While a compensation package has been agreed, it is understood the move is amicable. Lancashire has been sympathetic to Giles’ family situation – his wife has suffered serious illness and the family home remains in the Midlands – and wished him well for his future.

The role is something of a departure for Giles. He is expected to be seen in a suit more often than a tracksuit, fulfilling a management and planning role, not unlike that adopted by Andrew Strauss with the England team. Giles will, therefore, leave the day-to-day running of the first team to Jim Troughton – whose appointment as head coach he approved even before his move was finalised – and his team of specialist coaches. Giles and Troughton were the coach-captain partnership when Warwickshire won the County Championship in 2012. Head of women’s cricket, Darren Franklin, and elite performance manager, Paul Greetham, will also report to Giles.

“Ashley’s appointment …

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