ECB today announced Chris Ellison is to stand down from the role of England Physical Disability Head Coach after nearly four years in the post.
Ellison was appointed as the inaugural Head Coach of the England Physical Disability squad in June 2010. During this time he has overseen two international series against the Pakistan Physical Disability team in the UAE, first in 2012 and most recently in March this year.
On his decision to step down, Ellison said: “This has been the toughest decision I've ever had to make in my coaching career. I'm incredibly lucky to have led and worked alongside a fantastic group of players and support staff during my time with the England Physical Disability team. Taking the programme from its very beginnings in 2010 to where we are now fills me with a huge sense of achievement and pride.
“The decision is based purely on my family and work commitments continuing to grow at home, in particular with the latest family addition due in June. I feel that now is the right time for me to move on and give the players and a new Head Coach the best opportunity to prepare for the next England Physical Disability international series in two years’ time.
“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Ian Martin, Neil Bradshaw, Qas Ali, Will Kitchen, Fran Clarkson, Sian Morgan and Emma Foden, in addition to all the players, for their brilliant support and work over the last four years. Their combined efforts have helped to create the environment through which elite performance disability cricket is now operating. An exciting opportunity awaits for whoever is fortunate enough to take on this wonderful programme.”
ECB’s Head of Disability Cricket Ian Martin added: "I would like to thank Chris for the commitment and enthusiasm he has shown in assisting the development of our physically disabled players over the last four years. The end of a series is always a time for reflection, and I completely understand Chris's wish to spend more time with his family following the recent England Physical Disability tour to the UAE. I wish Chris, his wife Annie and their young family every good wish for the future.
“The search for Chris's replacement will begin immediately, and I am looking forward to the recruitment of the next England PD Head Coach, who will continue to challenge our players and to move physical disability cricket forward."