“I believe I have done as much as I can and that the time is now right to step aside”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Dave Nosworthy will step down as Somerset’s director of cricket at the end of the ongoing County season.

Nosworthy, who was appointed to the post in late 2012 as the successor of Brian Rose, decided to leave due to the club’s struggles this season.

During Nosworthy’s first season in charge, Somerset struggled to stay out of the relegation zone, missed out on making the T20 Finals Day for the first time in five years and lost in the last four of the Yorkshire Bank 40 tournament.

However, even though Somerset were at the top of the points table earlier this season, their chances of winning their first title were virtually ended when Warwickshire beat them earlier this month.

This season, Somerset also failed to get past the group stages of the Natwest T20 Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup.

“Both the club and Dave have mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of Somerset County Cricket Club to part company at the end of this season,” Somerset’s chief executive, Guy Lavender, said. “Dave will leave with our thanks for all he has done and our best wishes for the future.

“We still have a critical part of the season remaining with Dave in charge and all of our immediate efforts are focused on beating Northamptonshire in our County Championship match which commences on Sunday. The process of recruiting Dave’s successor is underway and an announcement will be made in due course”.

Nosworthy announced that he will now return home to South Africa to spend time with his family.

“I believe the time is now right for me to return home with my family for a number of personal and business reasons and for me to redirect my own personal energies and ambitions,” Nosworthy said. “With me being the type of character to always put the club and the team first, I believe I have done as much as I can and that the time is now right to step aside.”