Danni Warren and Andy Tennant Appointed to Lead Essex Women's Cricket
Warren and Tennant will lead the team through this crucial period of transition, focusing on building a sustainable and competitive team that can consistently perform at the highest levels of domestic women's cricket.
Essex County Cricket Club has appointed Danni Warren and Andy Tennant to take charge of their women's team as they prepare to enter Tier 1 status next season. Both Warren and Tennant come from the Sunrisers, where they led the team to their first-ever title in the women's regional system before its conclusion.
Warren, who was the regional director of women’s cricket for London and the east, will now serve as the performance director for Essex Women. Tennant, a former Scotland international, steps into the role of team director after previously holding the position of head coach for the Sunrisers.
Exciting New Challenge for Tennant
Andy Tennant expressed his enthusiasm for this new role with Essex, highlighting the opportunity to work with familiar faces from his time at Sunrisers. "I'm incredibly excited to take on this new role with Essex Women as we enter a new era for the women's professional game," Tennant said. "Having worked with Danni and the majority of the staff and players at Sunrisers, I know the strength and potential of the team we're building here."
Tennant emphasized the importance of creating an environment conducive to growth and success, both for the players and the support staff. He sees this as a pivotal moment for Essex Women, with a vision of establishing the team as a dominant force in women's cricket. "Our focus will be on creating an environment where players and staff can thrive and fulfill their potential, both on and off the field. This is a fantastic opportunity to drive towards sustainable success and help Essex Women become a leading force in the game," Tennant added.
Warren’s Transition to Performance Director
Danni Warren, who has been a key figure in the development of women's cricket in the region, steps into a broader role as performance director at Essex. Warren's leadership has already proven successful, with the Sunrisers' first-ever title win in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy under her guidance. Her experience and dedication to nurturing talent will be instrumental in the ongoing development of Essex Women as they navigate this new chapter in their history.
Warren began her tenure as regional director at Sunrisers in 2020, overseeing the team’s progress through challenging seasons before appointing Tennant as head coach ahead of the 2023 season. Together, they engineered a remarkable campaign, which culminated in Sunrisers winning their maiden title by defeating South East Stars in the final of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
Transitioning to Tier 1 Status
Essex Women's cricket has undergone a significant transformation this year, having been awarded Tier 1 status by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) during a competitive bidding process. This move is part of the ECB's return to structuring women's cricket within the pre-existing county system, marking a new era for the women's professional game in England.
With Tier 1 status, Essex will now have increased access to resources, training, and support, allowing them to compete at a higher level. The elevation to Tier 1 places them in an elite group of eight teams that have been recognized for their potential and infrastructure to support the growth of women's cricket.
Warren and Tennant will lead the team through this crucial period of transition, focusing on building a sustainable and competitive team that can consistently perform at the highest levels of domestic women's cricket.
Building on Success
The new leadership duo aims to continue building on the foundations laid at Sunrisers, translating that success into Essex Women’s cricket. Their track record at Sunrisers speaks for itself, with the team achieving its first major success under their guidance. Now, at Essex, they are focused on fostering a culture of development, unity, and excellence, both on and off the pitch.
For Warren, this new role presents an exciting challenge, as she steps into a broader leadership capacity. Having played a pivotal role in the growth of women's cricket within the Sunrisers region, Warren's experience in performance development will be crucial as Essex look to establish themselves among the leading teams in the county system.
Looking Ahead
As Essex Women transition into their new status as a Tier 1 team, expectations are high for the upcoming season. Warren and Tennant will be tasked with shaping a team that can compete with the best in England, while also focusing on nurturing young talent and developing a strong, cohesive unit.
The duo’s successful partnership at Sunrisers, culminating in their 2023 title, bodes well for Essex as they prepare to compete at the highest levels of the women's game. The team's focus will be on long-term development and creating a winning culture that can drive success for years to come.
With the backing of the ECB and the club's commitment to developing women's cricket, Essex Women are poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming seasons. Their journey toward becoming a leading force in women’s cricket has officially begun under the capable leadership of Danni Warren and Andy Tennant.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Essex Women, as they embark on this new chapter with a fresh vision and leadership team at the helm.
