Cricket: Bradburn pulls stumps

Grant Bradburn. Photo / File

It's the end of an era for Northern Districts with head coach Grant Bradburn announcing that this season's domestic one-day competition will be his final quest with the team.

"After considerable thought, I've decided it's time for me to move aside and allow the group to be refreshed with new ideas," Bradburn said.

"I have ambitions to coach at the highest level and, to achieve that, I also must keep moving forward to new challenges and experiences. I feel I am ready for that and I'm looking forward to that challenge."

The decision was not an easy one after five successful years guiding ND and having played his entire representative career for Northern Districts.

Bradburn said: "ND has been a big part of my life, as it has been for my family. I am really grateful for what ND has done for me. I have learned so much from players, mentors and staff, and I hope I have given a bit to ND. ND cricket will always be close to my heart."

Chairman Lachlan Muldowney, on behalf of the Northern Districts Cricket Board, members, players and supporters, thanked Bradburn for his significant contribution to cricket in the region.

"Grant has been an integral part of ND over the best part of three decades, since his debut as a player in 1985. He has served us with distinction in a variety of roles, including as a leading off-spinning all-rounder, three years as captain, representing the Black Caps, working in a development role in one of our district associations, three years coaching Northern Districts A and the last five years as head coach of the Northern Knights," Muldowney said.

"We have enjoyed considerable team success during Grant's tenure, but equally pleasing for us has been the progression of a number of our players into the Black Caps. We are also extremely buoyed by the recent influx of quality young players that have emerged this season."

Bradburn will begin investigating career opportunities at the conclusion of the season.

Northern Districts Cricket will conduct an extensive search for a new head coach following the Ford Trophy, which Muldowney hopes will provide one last piece of silverware under Bradburn's watch.