GEORGE DOBELL: The ex-England wicketkeeper-batter, who won the County Championship title as a Surrey player on three occasions and has lifted it as director of cricket on three more, intends to spend more time with his family
Alec Stewart has announced his decision to stand down as director of cricket at Surrey at the end of 2024 season.
Stewart, who won the County Championship title as a Surrey player on three occasions and has lifted it as director of cricket on three more, intends to spend more time with his family. He will be 61 in a couple of weeks and his wife, Lynn, has been battling cancer since 2013.
It could be forgotten now, in these days when the club is tipped for a hat-trick of Championship titles and almost every player has an international career in their future or past, but Surrey was in a fearsome mess when Stewart took control in 2013. They had just sacked their head coach, Chris Adams, were struggling for equilibrium after the tragic death of Tom Maynard and were to finish bottom of that season's Division One table.
It took time to turn things around. But with a mixture of role-model pros - the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Hashim Amla - and a commitment to picking players who had developed through the club's system, Stewart put together a side which has not only dominated the County Championship (they have won three of the last five editions of the tournament) but provided a significant number of players for the England teams. Both on and off the pitch, Surrey have set the pace.
It is surely relevant that his father, Micky, was both captain and head coach of Surrey while his brother, Neil, remains a highly regarded batting coach on the pathway. Alec has, as a result, lived and breathed this club for his entire life. Walking away will not be easy.
Surrey have won three County Championship titles during Stewart DoC stint -and are chasing a third in a row this summer (Steve Bardens/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)
"Without a doubt, this has been the toughest decision of my working career," he said in a statement.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"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."
Will Jacks and Ollie Pope - two England products Stewart is credited with shepherding (Ben Hoskins/Getty Images for Surrey CCC)
This isn't necessarily the end of Stewart's career. His statement makes clear he will "consider other opportunities in and around the game that work for me and the family" and he remains highly thought of by the ECB hierarchy who worked with him as Surrey. It might be noted that he was Ashley Giles' first choice as England's head coach after Trevor Bayliss stepped down (in late 2019), but felt unable to dedicate the time away from home which the role requires.
"Alec has been an outstanding leader over the last 11 years," Oli Slipper, the Surrey chair, said. "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.
"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."
It's probably too early to think of successors but, given the fact that Surrey like to look to their own when recruiting, Vikram Solanki might be an option. Yes, he played the bulk of his career at Worcestershire, but he was a classy and understated leader during his days at Surrey. If he can be lured from his role at Gujarat Titans - and that is a substantial 'if' - he might prove a good fit.
Stewart was a three-time Championship winner with Surrey as a player (Mike Finn-Kelcey/ALLSPORT)
"Alec has been one of the greatest servants this club has ever seen and leaves an extraordinary legacy," Steve Elworthy, CEO at Surrey said.
"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.
"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."
In perhaps the only unnecessary part of his statement, Stewart assured supporters of his commitment.
"From now until my last working day, I guarantee that my commitment to the job and to the club will not diminish one bit," he said. "I am fully focused on helping the squad to achieve more success."
It has always been so. Nobody could ever have thought otherwise.
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