Steve Kirby appointed Somerset bowling coach

His arrival at Taunton follows the departure of Stuart Barnes, who has left to take over as Ireland’s bowling coach

Steve Kirby has joined Somerset as their new bowling coach, returning to the county where he spent four seasons as a player between 2011 and 2014.

The former seamer has spent his last two years in the same role at Derbyshire, having previously been MCC head coach.

His arrival at Taunton follows the departure of Stuart Barnes, who has left to take over as Ireland’s bowling coach.

“I’m really indebted to Derbyshire and in particular Dave Houghton and Mal Loye for giving me the opportunity to get back in to first-class cricket,” said Kirby, who also played for Yorkshire and Gloucestershire during his professional career.

“I have learned so much from them in this role. I have hugely enjoyed working with the players and the team is going from strength to strength, as people will have seen over the last few years. I can see them flourishing even further next year. They are an amazing club and they have been extremely supportive in my time with them and during my transition to Somerset.

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“Somerset have a fantastic bowling unit, with international players and players who are on the verge of making that step up. I’ll be working with some of the best bowlers in the country, and the bowlers in Somerset’s exceptional pathway system are really exciting too. I’m really looking forward to helping add to that pipeline in the future.

“I have huge respect for the coaching team and I’m looking forward to working with Jason Kerr and Andy Hurry again. This move will also bring me back closer to my family and my children.”

Houghton, Derbyshire's head of cricket, added: “I’ve got nothing but praise for Steve and wish him success as he takes the next step in his career. He’s had two successful years with Derbyshire and has set the benchmark high for whoever comes into the role.”

Prior to Kirby’s arrival, South African seamer Marchant de Lange also signed for Somerset in October, adding to a pace attack already featuring Craig Overton, Lewis Gregory, Josh Davey and Jack Brooks.

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