Trent Bridge announces Alex O’Dowd as new Director of Women’s Cricket
Former Auckland captain Alex O’Dowd has been appointed as Director of Women’s Cricket at Trent Bridge following James Cutt’s departure earlier this year.
A middle-order batter during his playing career, New Zealander O’Dowd hit a top score of 113 for his home region, and later represented Northern Districts, before retiring in 1998.
He has experience in rugby union, with a stint as head coach of the Netherlands international men’s side, alongside his most recent role as Head of Performance Development with Blues in his homeland.
O’Dowd has strong connections to Nottingham, having also held roles as Director of Rugby at Trent University and Assistant Coach at Nottingham Rugby over the past decade.
The 59-year-old, who has family living in East Bridgford, is also the father of current Netherlands men’s international Max O’Dowd, who previously spent time playing for Nottinghamshire 2nd XI.
“I’m really looking forward to taking on this role,” said O’Dowd. “The team did tremendously well this year, and Craig, the coaching staff, and all the players performed brilliantly for the club.
“I’m really excited about creating some more memories with them, because we've got a group here that I think are really hungry to be the best they can be.
“We’ve got a fantastic group here, which I can tell from having had conversations with players already, so my first few weeks will be based around us getting to know each other.
“I think connections matter, and people matter, and those things are really important to me. I’m looking forward to getting started, to making those connections, and from that, the results will come.”
Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s Director of Cricket, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Alex to Trent Bridge, and we look forward to seeing him make the role his own.
“He comes with significant experience across cricket and rugby, and we believe he has everything that will be required to continue along the very successful path that we’ve already begun to build.
“We’re about to head into a new and exciting era for women’s cricket in Nottinghamshire, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing Alex play a key role in that.
“I know Alex will embrace the challenge of maintaining the sky-high standards that have already been set, and I’m excited to work alongside him as we keep pushing for more success.”