Claude Henderson Appointed Permanent Director of Cricket

Leicestershire County Cricket Club can confirm the permanent appointment of Claude Henderson as Director of Cricket.

The former Foxes spinner assumed the role on an interim basis in October 2021, overseeing the club’s winter plans and the 2022 season.

Henderson, who won three T20 titles for the club during a nine-season stint, was the outstanding candidate in the latest recruitment process, where he proposed his vision for the development of cricket at Leicestershire.

The role will afford the former South Africa international responsibility for the cricket pillar, where he is already laying the foundations for the 2023 season through contract extensions, player recruitment and additions to the coaching department “ all of which will be announced by the club over the coming weeks and months.

Discussing his appointment, Henderson said: “I’m excited to be able to build on the work started over the past 12 months.

“We’re moving in the right direction. We’ve got some exciting signings coming in and we’re developing our coaching team, which will help to make us more competitive across all three formats.

“We recognise that red-ball cricket has been a challenge, so we are to working to find a way of being more consistent in that format. Our white-ball form has been far more positive, and while there’s still a lot of room for improvement, I’m confident we can be a successful side.

Henderson has been integral to the team’s overseas recruitment, including compatriot Wiaan Mulder, as well as developing the coaching setup, including the addition of Assistant Coach and Lead Bowling Coach Alfonso Thomas.

The 50-year-old also undertook the decision to restructure the captaincy responsibilities, which he has described as being ‘a real positive in the changing room’, while the role has helped to ease the manifold responsibilities previously placed on Head Coach Paul Nixon.  

CEO Sean Jarvis commented: “The role is very important to the ongoing development and progress of our club. I believe we are developing a focused structure with clear lines of responsibility that allows us to compete and improve.

“Claude believes in Leicestershire first. He believes in creating the right culture in the cricket pillar and is laser focused on ensuring we are successful.

“While we still have a considerable amount of work to do, I have witnessed Claude lay some impressive foundations for us to thrive moving forwards.”

Supporters can hear from Henderson, Jarvis and Chairman Jonathan Duckworth at the club’s Members' Forum tonight (Friday, 7 October). More details can be found HERE.