New coach and overseas player at Heywood Cricket Club

John Stanworth will work with the club’s senior players

Heywood Cricket Club have made two high profile signings as they build up to life in the newly-inaugurated Greater Manchester Premier League.

John Stanworth, who last year left Lancashire Cricket Club after more than 30 years at Old Trafford, has agreed – in what is regarded as a real coup for the club – to work with Heywood’s senior players on the coaching front in 2016.

Jayden Borg, a 21-year-old wicket-keeper batsman from Melbourne, will be the club’s overseas player during the upcoming season.

Stanworth, 55, ended a long association with Lancashire CC last year that had seen him wear the Red Rose as a player and coach the first team before becoming the first director of the county academy in 2002.

He was also behind the decision to invite Kate Cross to become the first-ever female to join a county academy set-up and he has continued to play a major part in her development.

A level four coach, he will initially work with the players in pre-season and, schedule permitting, should be with the side throughout the summer.

Borg, a highly-rated wicket-keeper and left-handed batsmen, is currently in the first grade side at Carlton CC and has represented his state, Victoria, at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels.

It looks likely that he will bat in the top four along with Danny Pawson, who becomes the club’s paid player, and Bobby Cross.

The Australian is also keen to become involved with the junior set-up at Heywood, and will help coach at that level alongside Heywood’s enthusiastic backroom team.

Cricket chairman David Fare, understandably pleased with both men joining the club, said: “Jayden looks to be an exciting young player and will take over the keeping duties to give Danny the chance to focus on his batting.

“He is a young man playing for a very good club in Melbourne, and we look forward to his arrival and to him becoming part of the club.

“John Stanworth will need little introduction and his coaching pedigree is second to none. The players should relish the chance to work with such an experienced and talented coach, and I know that John’s infectious enthusiasm will be a welcome addition around the senior squad.”