'Proud' Alec Stewart to step down as Surrey's director of cricket after 11 years

Surrey will have to look for a new candidate for the director of cricket role as Alec Stewart is set to step down from the position after 11 years.

In Stewart's tenure, Surrey have managed to win three County Championship titles. The former England cricketer managed to instil confidence in the players and helped them bring accolades to the club. One of the highlights of Stewart's run as the director of cricket has been the emergence of some supremely talented cricketers, who have gone on to represent the Three Lions. Ollie Pope, Sam Curran, and Will Jacks are just a few examples of players who have represented England after doing well for Surrey.

After rising the ranks in age group cricket for the county, Stewart signed his first professional contract in 1981. During his 23-year playing career for Surrey, the wicketkeeper-batter won the County Championship title on three occasions. He also lifted three limited-overs titles during his playing days for Surrey.

Speaking about his decision, Stewart said that he wanted to give the club ample time to find his ideal replacement. He mentioned that he wanted to give more time to his wife Lynn, who is battling cancer, and his family.

“Without a doubt, this has been the toughest decision of my working career, but after careful consideration I will be stepping down from my role as director of cricket at the end of this calendar year. The main reason for informing the club at this point in time is to give them enough notice to find a suitable replacement," Stewart was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“Since November 2013, I have given this job my total commitment and it has been an honour and a privilege to be a part of the greatest cricket club in the world. However, the job is not one that you can just leave at the ground, as it demands 24/7 attention. As people may know, my wife has been battling cancer since 2013 and I want to give her, and my family, more of my time over the coming years than this job allows," he added.

The 60-year-old said that he was proud of the trophies the team won and also the number of players they produced for the national team. He went on to thank all the players, coaches, and management staff who supported him during his term.

“I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved over the last 11 years, winning trophies as well as continuing to produce our own players through the Talent Pathway and providing players for England. Supporting young talent to develop into top-quality players is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of the job," Stewart said.

“I want to thank all the players, coaches and cricket management staff I’ve worked with for their incredible support and hard-work. I’d also like to thank everyone who has played their part in taking the Club forward both on and off the field. I will always be available to support the club in any way that I can and would also consider other opportunities in and around the game that work for me and the family. From now until my last working day, I guarantee that my commitment to the job and to the club will not diminish one bit and I am fully focussed on helping the squad to achieve more success," the former England captain added.

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Alec has been an outstanding leader over the last 11 years: Surrey chair Ollie Slipper

Stewart, who played 133 Tests and 170 ODIs for England, received immense praise from Surrey chair Ollie Slipper for his contributions to the club.

“Alec has been an outstanding leader over the last 11 years. He took over with the team in a difficult position and has built a club in his own image that is hard-working, dedicated and humble. The values and the philosophy that he has created are the foundation of the success that the team has seen," Slipper said.

“Whilst he is stepping down from his role at the club, we do not want to lose his knowledge of the game and I have no doubt that his successor will always have a helpful voice to call upon if needed. I want to wish Alec the very best for the future and also place on record my thanks for what he has done for the club," he noted.

Steve Elworthy, who is the CEO of Surrey Cricket, attributed a lot of Surrey's success to Stewart's professionalism and work ethic.

“Alec has been one of the greatest servants this club has ever seen and leaves an extraordinary legacy. Alec’s professionalism, work ethic and commitment to the Club has driven success in his playing days and even more so as director of cricket. The club is where it is today because of his passion and his dedication," Elworthy stated.

“I fully respect and understand the decision that Alec has made and wish him and his family the very best for the future. We cannot overstate his impact at Surrey and on behalf of the staff, the players and the membership I would like to thank Alec for his service," he added.