We are thrilled to kick off the New Year with the terrific news that Middlesex legend, Tim Murtagh, has signed a one-year contract with the Club as a Player/Coach.
Murtagh, now 41, will continue his brilliant playing career at the Club, looking to build on the 985 wickets he has already taken for Middlesex in the 353 appearances he has made across all formats since joining the Club back in 2007.
In 2022 Murtagh played a crucial role in Middlesex’s County Championship promotion winning campaign, not only taking over as Captain and leading the side with distinction after Australian Peter Handscomb left the Club to return home at the end of May, but also with his tally of 30 wickets, second only to Toby Roland-Jones who led the pace attack all year.
Throughout Middlesex’s Royal London Cup campaign last season, Murtagh stepped up in an informal coaching capacity, working with the young bowlers in the squad throughout the entirety of the fifty-over campaign, until injury to other squad members forced him into action for the Club’s final group match of the campaign against Sussex down in Hove.
In the new Player/Coach role, Murtagh will be available to both play himself and coach the rest of the playing group when required throughout the season, working closely with First Team Coach Richard Johnson, Club Coach Rory Coutts, Director of Cricket Alan Coleman, and the other specialist consultancy coaches the Club will be utilising.
Speaking of Murtagh putting pen to paper on another year with the Club, Alan Coleman commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Murts still on the playing staff in 2023, as once again, last season, he again showed that on his day, despite his advancing years, he still has the guile and expertise to outfox batters.
“To still be taking wickets at the age of 41 is testament to how hard Tim works at his game, and he’ll be relishing the challenge that 2023 poses back up in Division One.
“Tim is an incredible character to have in the dressing room at Lord’s, and all his teammates look up to him as a shining example of what can be achieved, not only as a player, but also as a team man. He showed us what qualities he has as a Coach in 2022 when he remained in and around the playing group throughout the Royal London Cup campaign, and the young bowlers in our group benefitted enormously from the experience and skills that he was able to impart on them.
“Inevitably playing careers come to an end, and we have to prepare ourselves for a time when we won’t be seeing Murts trundling in and trapping batters in front, although for 2023 we’re stoked that he’ll still be doing his stuff with the ball, whilst also building up more coaching experience and helping the bowling group develop.
“Who knows what 2024 and beyond holds, however I for one and most definitely grateful that Murts will be with us in 2023.”
Tim Murtagh himself added:
“I am delighted to be continuing my playing career for another season after the high of getting promoted last year and am really excited for the opportunity to develop my coaching skills alongside playing this year.
“I couldn't think of a better person to learn from than Richard Johnson and the rest of the coaching staff in the group.
“I am looking forward to helping the team achieve success in Division One on the pitch this season, in tandem with offering what advice and experience I have to the other bowlers in the squad.”
