Durham Cricket are thrilled to announce that Men’s Head Coach Ryan Campbell has signed a two-year contract extension with the Club.
Campbell has put pen to paper on new terms until at least the end of the 2027 season, as the Australian will continue to call Chester le Street home.
He led Durham to promotion back to Division One in 2023 – a trophy in his first season in the North East, as Durham enjoyed a commanding promotion winning campaign.
His maiden season in Chester le Street was backed up by a solid first season in Division One with a midtable finish.
While under Ryan Campbell Durham reached the Quarter Finals of the Vitality Blast for the first time since 2018, backed up by qualification for the 2025 knockout stages.
Campbell has provided opportunity to a number of Academy graduates during his time in Chester le Street, with Ben McKinney, Mitchell Killeen, Haydon Mustard, James Minto, Daniel Hogg, Luke Robinson, and Robbie Bowman recent examples of young talent making their professional debuts.
Since arriving in the United Kingdom, the 53-year old, has instilled high standards on and off the field within the playing group and staff, with everyone around the Club striving to win cricket matches and becoming the best team in England.
On extending his stay, Campbell said: “I’m over the moon to be extending my stay here. When the opportunity came, I snapped Northy’s [Marcus North] hand off. For the club to reach out and say ‘you’re our guy’ makes me very proud to be honest.
“When I came to the club, we had a lot of work to do and we’ve achieved some good stuff but I think there’s so much more to do.
“The fact of community, the feeling you get that it’s us vs them, that is all so much like home in Perth. My kids and wife love it here and they’re big factors on any decision I make.
“I’ve loved every minute of it. I get a smile on my face every time I get in the car and drive to work. I’ve got two more years to continue to improve this club and hopefully I’m still here after that. This is home now, and I could see myself being here for a long time.
“The County Championship hasn’t gone as well as we’d hoped this year but we are going to fight really hard in September. We’re playing against three teams that are around us.
“I’m really excited for the last month and I have no doubt we can not only survive but win all three games.
“I think we all know that we’ve made a conscious effort to improve our T20 and white ball skills. Making the quarter final against Surrey last year was a starting point. We wanted to bring a quarter final to the North East and share it with our people and I can’t wait for tonight.”
Director of Cricket, Marcus North, said: “We’re delighted that Ryan has committed to Durham for another two years. The impact he has made since joining us has been clear for everyone to see, and this extension is thoroughly deserved.
“Cambo has an outstanding understanding of the club, the region, and what Durham Cricket stands for. He has fully embraced our vision and played a central role in the Club returning to the County Championship First Division and consecutive T20 Blast Quarter Finals.
“The progress and success we’ve seen individual players achieve for Durham in such a short time under his leadership has been hugely encouraging and gives us great confidence for the future.
“With Ryan at the helm, we have a clear direction for where we want to take Durham Cricket. Since his appointment in 2023, he has demonstrated the qualities we knew he would bring, instilling belief and ambition throughout the squad and Club.
“I look forward to supporting Ryan in achieving our goals and success on the field, starting with tonight’s home T20 Blast Quarter Final and our huge three remaining County Championship matches.”
We can confirm our next Members Forum will take place on Monday 15 September after day one of Durham against Worcestershire in the County Championship. Director of Cricket Marcus North and Men’s Head Coach Ryan Campbell will be in attendance. Further details will be communicated to members ahead of the event.