Lancashire have named Steven Croft as their permanent head coach, a move that always felt on the cards after his five-month spell in temporary charge. The former all-rounder stepped in when Dale Benkenstein left in May, oversaw a stuttering first half of the County Championship, then somehow coaxed the side into finishing fifth in Division Two and sneaking back to T20 Blast Finals Day.
“It means so much to have the honour of being named head coach of this great club,” Croft said. “Lancashire has been a huge part of my life – from joining the academy as a young player, to captaining the team, and now stepping into this role off the field.”
The Red Rose’s 2024 red-ball campaign began with five matches without a win, which put Croft under quiet pressure straight away. Yet the dressing-room mood, by most accounts, never soured. “I’m incredibly proud of how the lads responded last season, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. We have a talented, driven squad who are passionate about representing the Red Rose and I believe there is much more to come.”
The 39-year-old knows the place inside-out: over 600 appearances, a Championship winners’ medal from 2011, and retirement only two summers ago. Coaching badges were completed while he was still playing white-ball cricket, so the progression has been fairly natural. “My focus now is on building on the second half of last season’s progress, helping each player improve, and bring success back to the club for our members and supporters at Emirates Old Trafford.”
Mark Chilton, Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, offered firm backing. “We are thrilled that Steven has accepted the role permanently after making such a strong impression this summer.” Chilton highlighted Croft’s calm amid early-season turmoil: “Taking over during a challenging period in May, Steven displayed outstanding leadership throughout this summer. His passion for Lancashire Cricket, knowledge and understanding of the game, and ability to connect with players made him the outstanding candidate.”
Croft will run day-to-day sessions, especially with the senior squad, while a reshaped back-room team beds in. As Chilton put it, “He will take a hands-on role in the leading of day-to-day coaching of the first team and will be supported by a restructured cricket department – including assistant coach Will Porterfield – with further appointments to follow.”
Short-term, Lancashire supporters will want tangible signs of progress: early Championship wins, cleaner closing in four-day games, and another deep Blast run. Croft doesn’t promise titles overnight, but his long association with the club buys him goodwill and, crucially, an insider’s grasp of its culture – a small edge that can matter over a long county summer.
