Bangor Cricket Club is delighted to announce the appointment of former New Zealand test cricketer Ian Butler as Director of Cricket on a long-term contract. This is a new role within the club and an exciting development as we seek to build upon recent progress towards becoming a strong and sustainable Premier League club.
Ian will combine his new role as Director of Cricket along with continuing his duties within the NCU, including assistant coach with the Northern Knights. He has extensive experience as a Director of Cricket and in coaching roles both locally and overseas. His most recent overseas appointment was as bowling coach to Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League.
Ian’s appointment will ensure that Bangor will be at the forefront of modern coaching practices which will be a significant advantage as we continue to develop the wealth of talent rising through our well-established youth pathway.
The club is grateful for the generous support given by CricketEurope towards Ian’s appointment.
Club Chairman Peter McIlwaine said:
“Today is an important step forward for the Club with Ian’s appointment. He brings invaluable insight and experience as to what is required to consistently compete as a top club in Ireland. This is one part of a wider programme of development within the Club which includes significant investment this winter alongside the Rugby Club to upgrade our pavilion and facilities.
The Club has made massive strides in the past number of years and is now putting out five senior teams, two women’s teams and multiple boys and girls teams at every age group. The pitches and outfield at Upritchard Park have rightly been a big selling point for players wishing to join the Club. We are now putting in place the remainder of the infrastructure both with the pavilion and the coaching structure to enable us to continue the Club’s development. Ian is a vital part of this plan and we are delighted to have him.”
Ian Butler added:
“I am delighted to accept this appointment as Director of Cricket at Bangor Cricket Club. I have had the pleasure of playing some matches in this past season for the club and I have immediately been made to feel a part of the wider family here. I believe that we have the culture, facilities and structure to enable the Club to flourish for years to come.
I am looking forward to leading the club’s long-term strategy of developing younger emerging talent alongside the more seasoned and experienced players who already add so much to the group. This is definitely a club that I am excited to be around and look forward to what we can achieve together in the future”.
This is very exciting news for the Club as a whole and if you haven’t had the chance yet then please be sure to extend a warm welcome to Ian over the coming months during the off season.
