ECB hire former hockey administrator Ed Barney as new performance director

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named Ed Barney as its new performance director, taking him from a similar position in hockey.

Barney will succeed Mo Bobat, who has vacated the role to become director of cricket with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), in March.

Barney, 41, previously worked in talent identification at the ECB between 2010 and 2013 and has spent the last seven years with England and Great Britain Hockey.

Director of men's cricket Rob Key, who worked closely with Bobat on matters including scouting, pathways and selection, said: "The men’s performance director is a vital role as we look to continually increase the depth of talent and prepare players for the rigours of international cricket.

"What is clear with Ed is that he has been able to do that at England and Great Britain Hockey, building world-class programmes that has left them in a better place than when he started, while his experience with the ECB makes him ready-made to build on the significant work we have already been doing."

Barney added: "The opportunity to return to the ECB and take on the role of performance director was an opportunity I couldn't pass up.

"It's been a real honour to lead the performance team at England and Great Britain Hockey.

"It has been very special to see many of the junior teams break through, whilst the senior programmes have excelled on the world stage with European, Commonwealth Games and Olympic medals."

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