Durham Cricket Men’s Academy Director John Windows will step down from his role with immediate effect due to health reasons.
Windows, who has coached for over two decades at the Club will progress into a mentor and talent scout role within the Club’s academy and pathway, continuing to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise with players and the coaching team.
Having joined the Club in 1999 as an Academy Coach under Geoff Cook, Windows progressed into the role of Academy Director in 2007 in a coaching career spanning 27 years.
One of the most respected Academy Directors on the circuit, Windows has helped oversee a production line of talent that is the envy of other counties.
During his time leading the men’s pathway, Windows has coached many cricketers who have gone onto play professionally for Durham, England and beyond.
It was Windows who brought Stokes to the club from Cumbria as a raw 17-year-old to begin a journey that has taken him to the top of the game.
Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett, Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts are some of the recent stars which have gone on to represent England and Durham with distinction under the coaching of Windows.
Having built strong relationships with the club community in the North East – Windows has laid strong foundations with neighbouring counties, Northumberland, Cumbria and Scotland.
Alongside his role with Durham, Windows has received national honours, coaching the North of England at the ECB Super 4s tournament over a number of years.
John Windows said: “It is with great sadness and regret that I am having to stand down from my role as Men’s Academy Director. I have enjoyed every day of my coaching career at Durham, it has been a privilege to work with such a great club and contribute to its success.
“Unfortunately, I no longer have the physical capacity to support our young talent. The role is multi-faceted but to do it successfully I have always felt you need to be active on the shop floor as well as working strategically behind the scenes.
“Everyone at the club has been hugely supportive since my diagnosis and my fellow coaches have picked up my physical bits without missing a beat. Marcus, in particular, has been a great help through this challenging time.
“Stepping back from a full-time role will give me more time to recharge my batteries and look after myself. I feel this is essential if I am going to maintain any sort of ‘normal life’.
“During these last couple of months, it has become obvious to me that it would be impossible to carry on in the same fashion.
“I look forward to continuing to work at Durham Cricket in a mentorship role, offering help and support to the Club and continue to drive success.”
Marcus North, Director of Cricket said: “John has decided that now is the right time to step away from his role as Men’s Academy Director, due to his ongoing medical condition.
“Over the course of nearly 30 years with the club, John has played an extraordinary role in shaping the journeys of hundreds of young cricketers, many of whom have become professional and international players.
“His vision, passion, dedication, and care for developing players have left a lasting mark on our pathway and on the club as a whole.
“Although he will no longer be leading the Academy, we are delighted that John will continue to be part of the club and share the wisdom and experience that have inspired so many.
“I would like to personally thank John for everything he has given to the club, and for the remarkable commitment and energy he has put into making our men’s academy the best in the Country, a legacy that will live strong for future generations.”