Paddy Upton: “It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to coach [the] Thunder”
The Sydney Thunder have parted ways with head coach Paddy Upton on the back of two disappointing Big Bash League (BBL) seasons.
Under Upton’s leadership, the Thunder tasted BBL glory back in 2015/16. But, things took a turn for the worse in the following season as they finished at the bottom of the table with just three wins in their eight matches.
In the recently concluded edition of the tournament, the Thunder fared slightly better, but once again missed out on the semi-finals as they finished sixth after winning four of their 10 games.
Given their downward spiral since winning the tournament in 2015/16, the Thunder decided to cut the cord with Upton.
“Paddy has been a very important part of Sydney Thunder and the history of our club,” Thunder General Manager Lee Germon was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “Following a comprehensive review of our playing roster, facilities and support staff, the club will now work with Cricket NSW to deliver a strategy to maximise our player pathways specifically for T20 cricket.”
While Upton was disappointed to have been fired, he admitted that he was proud of everything he accomplished during his time with the BBL franchise.
“It was a real privilege to have the opportunity to coach [the] Thunder as they sought to move off the bottom of the table in 2013, and to grow with the team over the next four years,” the 49-year-old said via a statement. “I wish [the] Thunder well as they begin their next chapter under new leadership.”
Upton was also sacked as the Delhi Daredevils’ head coach last November. Legendary Australia captain and batsman Ricky Ponting was named his successor for this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL).