Ed Barney has been appointed as the newest Performance Director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Barney will carry out his duties with the ECB after serving in the same capacity for Great Britain’s hockey team.
The 41-year-old spent 2010–2013 as a Talent Identification Scientist with the European Central Bank. In 2016, he made the switch to hockey, where he oversaw some significant national achievements in the sport, including the GB women’s 2021 Olympic gold medal and the England women’s 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Following the news, Ed Barney expressed his opinion that he could not turn down the chance to collaborate with the ECB once more. In addition, he expressed his desire to expand on the work previously completed at the ECB.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Ed Barney stated, “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to return to the ECB and take on the role of Performance Director. I’m looking forward to building on much of the exceptional work that is in place while ensuring that the quality of our provision supports the most talented players to realise their potential, excel on the world stage, and inspire the nation about everything that cricket has to offer.”
Leading the performance team at England and Great Britain Hockey has been an incredible honor. Ed Barney
In addition, Barney said thanks to everyone at Great Britain Hockey and England for giving him the chance to work with the team and guide them to significant success as he reflected on his time spent playing hockey.
“Over the past seven years, leading the England and Great Britain hockey performance squad has been a true honor. While the senior programs have flourished on the global stage with medals from the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Europe, Barney noted that it has been extremely special to watch many of the junior teams make breakthroughs.
As the Performance Director, I have the great honor of working with so many outstanding players and colleagues who motivate one another to improve every day. He continued, “I want to congratulate everyone at Great Britain Hockey and England and look forward to seeing their success in the future.