Weston-super-Mare CC are delighted to announce that Paul Bird will take on the role of Cricket and Coaching Development Manager at the club from today.

Paul played for Somerset CCC for 2 years in 1994 and 1995 until a serious shoulder injury ended his promising professional career at the start of the 1995 season. He is best known for clean bowling West Indies legend Brian Lara in a List A game Vs Warwickshire CCC. He played in WEPL Prem 1 for 10 years with Bristol CC and Chippenham CC – a highlight was winning the NCA National Knockout Cup at Lords with Bristol.

Paul’s role has been created to make sure the many talented WSM CC cricketers maximise their huge potential. Paul will be responsible for planning and implementing an exciting new coaching programme that will feature coaching tailored to players’ individual needs.

Paul commented: “Amongst my other objectives I will be responsible for creating a club player pathway plan for youth team players and for players in the men’s and women’s teams – for players as young as five years old right through to our First XI men’s team. I will be working with some immensely talented players and coaches at the club and I cannot wait to get started.”

First XI Captain Chris Davidson said: “The club are making a huge commitment to our players by employing Paul. We want to ensure our new coaching offering brings out the very best in our players and takes them to the next level. We want to collaborate with our players to build an exciting new culture – our investment in this role is a major part of that. Paul brings with him a vast knowledge of cricket from many years playing at a high level and a wealth of experience from working in business. These are exciting times for the club.”