Tom Morton in action for South Wilts against Havant : Roy Honeybone picture
Tom Morton’s appointment as Wiltshire’s new head coach has fuelled speculation that the prolific batsman/wicketkeeper could be making a return to the ECB Southern Premier League scene next summer.
The 32-year old, who plundered close on 6,000 runs in ten seasons with South Wilts and three times carried off the Premier Division batting award, has left his post after two years as Director of Cricket at Ealing.
He helped the West London club win the coveted Middlesex County Premier League title last summer, topping the batting charts with 796 runs.
Morton’s return to the patch as Wiltshire’s new head coach is a role that will see him manage and coach the minor county first and second teams, besides delivering winter coaching programmes.
He’s yet to commit himself to any club for 2018, saying: “There have been loose ends to tie up at Ealing and on-going discussions with Wiltshire, so I’ll start making some decisions once the Christmas festivities are over.”
Reflecting on his two-year stint in top London premier league cricket, Morton said: “It was a great experience playing and working for Ealing.
“Playing in London presented a very different challenge, clubs are in a fortunate position to regularly recruit good cricketers in their 20s & 30s moving to London for their careers. “Unlike the dynamic in the SPL, where you get to know opposition pretty well.
“My initial 2016 season at Ealing was very challenging, but this past season was terrific.
“It was their first championship since 2011 and from my perspective to top the Middlesex Premier League batting charts was really pleasing.
“It will be a shame to move on from such a top club, but this is a great opportunity to progress my aspirations as a coach and also presents the chance to move back into our home in Southampton.”
Tom Morton left an indelible mark on Middlesex Premier League cricket.
The staggering 232 Morton made in a 50-over match against the 2016 champions Teddington is the highest individual all-time score in MCL history.
Morton is unlikely to need many introductions when he starts work with Wiltshire, having represented them in the Minor Counties Championship for 12 seasons.
He previously worked at Southampton Solent University as a sports development officer and during his time at Bemerton, captained South Wilts to two of their four Southern Premier League titles.
The 32-year old, who plundered close on 6,000 runs in ten seasons with South Wilts and three times carried off the Premier Division batting award, has left his post after two years as Director of Cricket at Ealing.
He helped the West London club win the coveted Middlesex County Premier League title last summer, topping the batting charts with 796 runs.
Morton’s return to the patch as Wiltshire’s new head coach is a role that will see him manage and coach the minor county first and second teams, besides delivering winter coaching programmes.
He’s yet to commit himself to any club for 2018, saying: “There have been loose ends to tie up at Ealing and on-going discussions with Wiltshire, so I’ll start making some decisions once the Christmas festivities are over.”
Reflecting on his two-year stint in top London premier league cricket, Morton said: “It was a great experience playing and working for Ealing.
“Playing in London presented a very different challenge, clubs are in a fortunate position to regularly recruit good cricketers in their 20s & 30s moving to London for their careers. “Unlike the dynamic in the SPL, where you get to know opposition pretty well.
“My initial 2016 season at Ealing was very challenging, but this past season was terrific.
“It was their first championship since 2011 and from my perspective to top the Middlesex Premier League batting charts was really pleasing.
“It will be a shame to move on from such a top club, but this is a great opportunity to progress my aspirations as a coach and also presents the chance to move back into our home in Southampton.”
Tom Morton left an indelible mark on Middlesex Premier League cricket.
The staggering 232 Morton made in a 50-over match against the 2016 champions Teddington is the highest individual all-time score in MCL history.
Morton is unlikely to need many introductions when he starts work with Wiltshire, having represented them in the Minor Counties Championship for 12 seasons.
He previously worked at Southampton Solent University as a sports development officer and during his time at Bemerton, captained South Wilts to two of their four Southern Premier League titles.
