Paul Nixon departs as Leicestershire head coach under mutual agreement

After about five and a half years as the head coach of Leicestershire, Paul Nixon will finally be leaving the post after a mutual agreement was made between both parties. Announcing the same on Thursday, July 5, Leicestershire executives also stated that the assistant and batting coach of the club, Alfonso Thomas and James Taylor, respectively, will be taking charge of the first team on an interim basis.

Furthermore, they will be assisted by Claude Henderson, who is the director of cricket for the club, and second-team head coach, Dips Patel. Nixon was appointed in the role back in October 2017 and even led the club into the knockout stages of the 2020 Vitality Blast.

However, Leicestershire have been struggling in the Vitality Blast 2023, as they have lost 12 of the 14 matches that they have played so far. Furthermore, they are currently placed second in Division 2 of the County Championship.

Paul has been a true servant to Leicestershire: Henderson

Following the announcement of Nixon’s departure, Leicestershire’s director of cricket, Claude Henderson, came forward to laud Nixon’s tenure with the club and reflect on how much of an impact he has had on the team over the years and how he has been a true servant.

"Paul has been a true servant to Leicestershire County Cricket Club since he first joined the club in 1988, in two stints as a player then as Head Coach since 2017. He's shown relentless commitment, enthusiasm, and passion during his time as head coach and has been a fantastic ambassador for the club. We wish him every success in the next steps of his career," Henderson said in a statement released by the club.

Nixon also reflected on his time at Leicestershire, opining how proud he has been to be able to coach a club of such stature. He also stated that the club will always hold a special place in his heart.

"I am immensely proud of my time at Leicestershire and would like to thank the players, both past and present, staff and most of all the fans for the unconditional support I have received during my tenure. The club will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish them all the best for the future," Nixon said.