Graham Ford has signed a three-year deal with Cricket Ireland

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Graham Ford has been named as Ireland’s new head coach and will begin his tenure when John Bracewell’s contract comes to an end in December.

Ford, who signed a three-year deal, took the job after stepping down as Sri Lanka’s head coach in June.

“I am really excited to be a part of this new era in Irish cricket,” Ford was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “I have always enjoyed working with decent people and, in their attitude, character and camaraderie, the Irish cricketers have always come across as such.

“With my knowledge and experience I believe I can genuinely make a difference. All my efforts will be dedicated to assisting the players to improve and achieve their full potential while playing an enjoyable brand of cricket.”

It is understood that Ford resigned from his role with Sri Lanka as he was growing increasingly irritated with the country’s cricket board interfering with matters relating to the national team.

Reports also suggested that he was unhappy with the fact that Asanka Gurusinha was hired as Sri Lanka’s cricket manager and a national selector.

However, in August, Gurusinha and the rest of the selection committee, which was headed by Sanath Jayasuriya, resigned following a string of disappointing results.

Ford’s contract in Sri Lanka was supposed to run until the 2019 World Cup, but the 56-year-old, who has also coached South Africa, Kent and Surrey in the past, is now looking forward to working with one of the newest Test nations in world cricket.

After making their presence felt at the Associate level, Ireland and Afghanistan were finally granted Test status by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and made Full Member nations.

While Test cricket will be high on Ireland’s list of priorities, qualifying for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales will also be up there.