Ian Salisbury resigns co-head coach position at Sussex following dispute with player

Ian Salisbury, Sussex's Championship and 50-over coach, will vacate his position at the end of the season, the club has announced on Friday. The former England leg spinner was placed under a gardening leave after an altercation with the young Sussex spinner Jack Carson. The pair were said to be involved in a non-cricketing dispute.

The Englishman took charge of the proceedings after the departure of his precursor Jason Gillespie. While Salisbury took charge of the red ball and 50-over teams, James Kirtley was announced the head coach for the T20 side in November 2020. Sussex's form has dipped considerably in the last couple of seasons with the departure of high-profile players like Chris Jordan and Phil Salt. 

Sussex are currently second from bottom in the Championship after battling out a draw with Glamorgan on Thursday. Having managed just two wins in the last two seasons in the Championship, Salisbury's imminent departure received a final nail after his dispute with Jack Carson. Sussex's chief executive Rob Andrew thanked the Englishman for his contributions to the team's cause.

"We would like to thank Ian for his contribution to the club over the last couple of years and wish him well for the future in whatever this may hold. He has helped develop a very promising group of young players and we are looking forward to seeing them develop further in the next few years," Rob Andrew, Sussex's chief executive, said.

Salisbury thanked the Sussex staffs in his farewell statement

Ian Salisbury has deep roots in Sussex as the former English international played for the county side between 1989-1996. Despite all the chaos behind the scenes, he led Sussex to the semi-finals of this year's 50-over tournament, the Royal London Cup. He thanked the club and their backroom staff for their tremendous backing throughout his stint and highlighted the potential of the young side.

"I've really enjoyed my time at Sussex for the last two years, and the journey has really helped me after the loss of my wife. However it's the right thing for myself and daughter to look for a fresh challenge. I want to thank the backroom staff, ground staff, foundation, office staff, catering and stewards for their support throughout my time at Hove. Whoever takes over from myself will inherit a very talented homegrown squad who if supported from above are ready to fly in the next few years," Salisbury said in an official statement.