Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes celebrates 10 years in charge at New Road next month – and his predecessor is unsurprised at the success he has enjoyed with the county.
Rhodes ended a distinguished playing career spanning two decades with Worcestershire at the end of the 2004 season in which he had won countless trophies as part of one of the golden ages in the club's history.
He was appointed assistant coach to Tom Moody, himself a superb cricketer for Worcestershire, and expected to serve an apprenticeship under the Australian all-rounder.
But after two months of the 20005 season Moody left New Road to take charge and revive the fortunes of Sri Lanka and Rhodes was promoted.
Now the 50-year-old is about to celebrate a decade in charge having guided the club to the 2007 Pro40 League title, four promotions, three T20 quarter-finals and playing a major role in opting to put the accent on developing youth.
Moody, who spent nine seasons as a player and four-and-a-half as Director of Cricket at Worcestershire, said: "There is no surprise to me that Bumpy has stepped up and become a successful coach.
"He has always been a passionate cricketing man, and coaching has provided him with a vehicle to share that great passion and knowledge.
"During Bumpy's playing days there were few who had the work ethic and determination to improve their game.
"Along with this came a true competitive spirit.
"In my time as Director of Cricket at New Road, having Bumpy as an assistant along with Dolly (Damian D'Oliveira) provided me with two guys that I could trust and rely on in any situation."
*We shall look back over Rhodes' first decade at the helm with Matt Mason, David Leatherdale, John Elliott and Rhodes himself in the next edition of County 365.
