The Lancashire County Cricket Club has said that Steven Croft will become its permanent head coach in the aftermath of his successful interim performance. The news includes Croft taking the club through a season of hardship at the club after Dale Benkenstein resigned in May 2025.
Croft’s Interim Success and Appointment
After Steven Croft was appointed in May, Lancashire was in a precarious position in the County Championship, unable to register a single victory in the first half of the season. Subsequently, Croft guided Lancashire to fifth place in Division Two, as well as to T20 Blast Finals Day, in an inspiring turnaround. “It means a great deal to be honoured with the position of head coach of this great club,” Steven Croft said. “Lancashire has been a huge part of my life; firstly, from joining the academy as a young player, to then captaining the team, and now taking this opportunity off the field.”Steven Croft Shares His Vision for Lancashire Cricket
Steven Croft, 41, emphasized a concentrated effort to build off the second half of last season. “I am incredibly proud of how the lads responded last season, and I’m really excited for what’s to come. We have a talented, vibrant, and energetic squad who are desperate to represent the Red Rose, and I am confident that there is much more to come. My focus at the moment is to help each player reflect and improve, while we work together to help bring success back to the club for our membership and supporters at Emirates Old Trafford.” Croft’s vision consists of bringing about not only tactical innovation on the field but also the player development pathway. His familiarity with the club’s academy system and having been a player draws him into the discussion with senior squad members and younger talent. SUGGESTED READ: Shane Watson Parts Ways With MLC: Unicorns Era EndsA Lancashire Legend Takes the Helm
Steven Croft is a familiar figure in both Lancashire’s dressing room and to its supporters. He made his debut for the club in 2005 and later captained the side, going on to play more than 600 matches across formats and retiring in 2023. Croft was a member of the Lancashire team that last won the County Championship in 2011, and his long links with the club give him an insight into their culture and values. “After stepping in during a tough time in May, Steven showed he had terrific leadership all summer,” said Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance. “His love for Lancashire Cricket, knowledge and understanding of the game, and connection with the players made him the standout candidate.”Supporting the First Team
Steven Croft, as Head Coach, will assume a proactive approach in the responsibility of daily first-team coaching. He will continue with a revised cricket department that will include assistant coach Will Porterfield and a different coaching staff that will be advertised soon. Croft’s method focuses on balancing the experience of a seasoned player with a modern coaching style that promotes team unity, tactical clarity, and encourages youth. His priority is to ensure Lancashire can continue to compete on the front foot in red-ball and white-ball cricket, and develop a team capable of challenging for silverware in the coming seasons.Immediate Goals and Challenges
Although Croft’s appointment has received good endorsements, he is taking over a team that needs to build upon last season and be a consistent team across formats. Last season, Lancashire’s performance in all competitions improved drastically after mid-season and generated excitement surrounding the team, especially in the County Championship and T20 Blast formats. Key priorities for Croft are:- It helps to maintain continuity in the second half of the 2025 season.
- It enhances the strength of both batting and bowling units to compete consistently.
- Moreover, it supports academy players to gain access to the squad and encourages younger players to help contribute to the first-team squad.
- Using a data-driven performance analysis and modern coaching methods.
