Shropshire County Cricket Club’s coach Karl Krikken claimed the top prize at the prestigious England and Wales Cricket Board Coach Awards.
Krikken, looking forward to his second season at the Shropshire helm, was recognised for his outstanding achievements over a long period of time at the ECB awards ceremony attended by 350 guests at Warwick University.
He was presented with his award by Ashley Giles, the former England spinner who is now head coach at Lancashire.
Krikken said: “I feel very humble really to have got this award. I was nominated by the Derbyshire Cricket Board some time ago and it’s just escalated. I’m really pleased.
“There was a little film shown on the night with some of the players I’ve worked with saying a few words, people like Wayne Madsen and Gary Ballance as well as Steve Leach from Shropshire. It was a great night.”
Krikken, 45, enjoyed a long association with Derbyshire, both as a player and then as a successful coach with the highlight guiding the club to LV= County Championship promotion in 2012 during his time in charge between 2011 to 2013.
He is now excited about his second summer as Shropshire coach having enjoyed his debut campaign with the club.
Shropshire chairman Toby Shaw stressed it was wonderful recognition both for Krikken and the county.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Karl as this is a wonderful accolade,” he said. “We are honoured to be associated with a coach of Karl’s calibre who is so well respected in the game.
“We’ve seen the benefits already of what Karl has brought to Shropshire and we are very much looking forward to the new season.”
Krikken added: “I’m loving it at Shropshire and I’m really pleased that Toby got me on board last April.”
Stuart Dunn