Paul Shaw to step down as Thunder head coach at end of 2023 campaign

Shaw joined the region as interim head coach in 2020 before taking the job on a permanent basis and steered Thunder to Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day in 2023

Paul Shaw will step down as Thunder head coach at the end of the 2023 campaign.

The 50-year-old, who left his position as head coach of Manchester Originals Women earlier this year to focus on his commitments with Lancashire and Thunder, wishes to spend more time with his family.

Shaw, who previously held a number of roles within the ECB, joined the region as interim head coach in 2020 before taking the job on a permanent basis.

After three seasons at the wrong end of the table, he steered Thunder to Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day in 2023, ultimately finishing in third place.

Commenting on his time with Thunder, Shaw hailed the progress his side have made over the past four seasons: "When I took on the role of head coach three years ago, David Thorley and Paul Allott asked me to help manage the professional transition of the women's game and embed strong foundations across the Thunder Pathway.

^{Thunder reached Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day in 2023 [George Franks Photography/@ggf_photos]}

"Although I'm genuinely saddened at leaving the role, three years on I'm really happy with the progress we have made. Particularly in creating a player development pathway that is self-sustaining, with the inclusion and development of county age-group programmes, emerging player pathway, Thunder Academy, and a senior Thunder programme.

"The pathway is now starting to identify and develop players of high potential. As a result of this, our programmes are now producing a larger number of players representing England at all levels, Scotland and we also have many players playing in The Hundred.  

"It's been pleasing to see the development of our young Thunder senior team over the last few years. The foundations that have been put in place are already leading to much better performances and improved results culminating with the Charlotte Edwards Cup Finals Day for the first time this summer.

"We have a group of players that I have really enjoyed working with and to see their growth and development as cricketers and individuals is fantastic. My successor will find themselves a strong, young, and exciting squad to work with."

Regional performance director, David Thorley, added: "When Paul came to us in 2020, initially on a one-season agreement, he made a huge impact on the squad. So, we were delighted when he agreed to stay on and help to create strong performance foundations across the structures and pathways.

"From those early Covid-affected seasons to now, Paul has helped evolve the playing and coaching staff and lead us into the professional era, culminating in reaching our first Finals Day as a region earlier this summer.

"This has been one of the best working relationships in my career and I'm sure that Thunder will continue to do him proud in the years to come with these strong foundations laid."

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