Lancashire County Cricket Club has initiated a full-scale review of its cricket operations following a 2026 season that resulted in the men’s first team finishing at its lowest-ever league position. The review is led by incoming CEO Richard Kenyon, who officially assumes his role on October 5, 2026.
The club finished the Rothesay County Championship season in seventh place in Division Two, recording 114 points from two wins, eight losses, and four draws. This standing effectively places Lancashire 17th out of the 18 first-class counties, having only avoided the bottom spot following a draw in their final match against Durham.
Administrative changes preceded the season’s end, with Director of Cricket Performance Mark Chilton and Director of Women’s Cricket David Thorley dismissed on September 21. CEO Daniel Gidney stated, “Decisions like this are always incredibly tough to make, but we believe a restructure of the performance set-up is necessary to move the club forward.”
Kenyon’s remit includes an examination of the performance structure, the academy pathway, and player contracts. Analysis of the review’s scope indicates potential squad changes following a year in which the team suffered eight defeats in 14 matches.
The campaign concluded with an unbeaten 190 from Josh Bohannon at Emirates Old Trafford, the highest individual score by a Lancashire batter against Durham at the venue. Despite the individual milestone, the match ended in a draw, confirming the club’s second-bottom finish.
Reflecting on the final fixture, all-rounder George Balderson said, “We spoke about trying to make it feel like a 15-game season, use this game as the first one of next year and get out of it what we can.”
The club has yet to confirm the future of interim head coach Steven Croft for the 2027 season. Additionally, questions remain regarding James Anderson’s playing future and his role as captain. Kenyon’s review is expected to address these leadership positions and the broader performance department as the club seeks to return to Division One.
