We've got used to exits from Sussex. But James Kirtley's departure stings more than any of them

When Matt Walker’s appointment as head coach was announced in August a restructuring of the team who will work with him was always likely. And that’s fine. The new man deserves to make his own coaching appointments.

The romantics among us hoped that Grant Flower’s decision to join Surrey as batting coach might free up some precious budget that would enable Kirtley to stay in some capacity. Remember, he hasn’t just been Sussex’s bowling coach. He also looked after white-ball cricket when he split the coaching responsibilities with Ian Salisbury in 2020-21.