Mark Robinson has returned to Sussex as the club’s director of cricket, taking on a part-time position alongside his role at Brighton Aldridge Community Academy. The 59-year-old previously spent five years playing for Sussex and a decade serving as their head coach.
A Decorated History with the Club
During his previous coaching tenure at Hove, Robinson guided Sussex to multiple prestigious titles, including County Championship Division One championships in 2006 and 2007. He also captured the Twenty20 Cup in 2009, the Friends Provident Trophy in 2006, and the Pro40 National League in both 2008 and 2009. Beyond his success at Sussex, Robinson led England Women to victory at the 2017 World Cup and later managed Warwickshire to another County Championship Division One title in 2021.
Robinson’s return comes after Paul Farbrace, who was originally scheduled to transition from head coach to director of cricket at Sussex, moved to Lancashire last month amidst financial difficulties at the club. “I’m delighted to be back at Hove in a position where I can play my part in helping Sussex continue to be one of the most respected clubs in the country,” Robinson told the club website.
Navigating Financial and On-Field Challenges
Sussex recently required an emergency financial bailout from the England and Wales Cricket Board following a 1.3 million pound trading loss in 2025. Consequently, the team suffered a deduction of 12 Championship points for sustained operating losses, along with a one-point penalty in each white-ball competition.
“We have taken some hits in the last year and as a club have some work still to be done, and I am determined to contribute to ensure a bright future here at Sussex,” Robinson stated. He recalled his initial arrival at the club in 1997 following a period of major upheaval, noting that he was a small building block in an era of great success and that work has already begun to replicate those achievements.
“I cannot imagine a better person to become our director of cricket,” said Sussex acting chief executive Alex Paterson.
