ECB confirm new men's performance director to succeed Mo Bobat

Ed Barney, who previously served as talent identification and development scientist, re-joins after more than 10 years with England and Great Britain Hockey

Ed Barney has been announced as the ECB's new men's performance director, replacing Mo Bobat.

Bobat leaves the role in February to become director of cricket at Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Barney returns to English cricket after previously serving as the ECB's talent identification and development scientist between 2010 and 2013.

Previously a competitive sailor who coached with the Royal Yachting Association, he joined England and Great Britain Hockey in 2013, first as head of talent development before becoming performance director three years later.

Bobat (right) is bound for Royal Challengers (Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Among his responsibilities included overseeing performance at multiple major global competitions.

Highlights included GB women capturing bronze at the Tokyo Olympic Games, England women claiming gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, while England men won a EuroHockey Championship silver in August.

"The opportunity to return to the ECB and take on the role of performance director was an opportunity I couldn't pass up," said Barney, who begins in March.

"I'm looking forward to building on much of the exceptional work that is in place, whilst ensuring that the quality of our provision supports the most talented players to realise their potential, excel on the world stage and inspire the nation about everything that cricket has to offer."

England women celebrate capturing Commonwealth hockey gold in 2022 (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

England men's managing director Rob Key added: "Ed has an outstanding record in a number of high-performance sports.

"The men's performance director is a vital role as we look to continually increase the depth of talent and prepare players for the rigours of international cricket.

"What is clear with Ed is that he has been able to do that at England and Great Britain Hockey, building world-class programmes that has left them in a better place than when he started, while his experience with the ECB makes him ready-made to build on the significant work we have already been doing."

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