David Ripley has been appointed as the Head Coach of Northamptonshire’s Women team ahead of the 2025 season.
The Club’s most successful ever Head Coach, Ripley will officially take charge in February 2025 after undertaking some preparatory work as the Club approach the revamped women’s structure.
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women will be in Tier 2 starting in 2025, along with Derbyshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent, Leicestershire, Middlesex, Sussex, Worcestershire and Yorkshire.
The ten counties will play 50-over and 20-over cricket, with further information to follow on the competition structure and 2025 schedule.
‘Rips’ led Northamptonshire to two Blast titles in 2013 and 2016 and achieved two promotions in County Championship cricket but is now excited for a different type of challenge.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Women’s Steelbacks as Head Coach, it’s exciting times ahead as the new format is rolled out,” said Ripley.
“As well as a competitive senior team I hope to help develop our younger girls into future professional players, in partnership with our pathway coaches.
“I would also like to pay tribute to Rob Mahony and Trish Hankins for the great work they have put into our Senior women’s team over many seasons.”
Chief Executive Ray Payne was thrilled to get Ripley leading the new project.
“We are delighted to have appointed David as Head Coach of our women’s team at the end of an extensive and thorough recruitment process,” Payne said.
“David’s track record as both a player and a coach made him the outstanding candidate and we are convinced he will lead our women’s team into a bright future and drive the highest possible standards.
“We are excited to get to work with David to prepare the team for their maiden season in 2025 and look forward to seeing them perform at The County Ground and beyond.”