Matt Walker to leave Bears at the end of the season

Bears’ batting coach Matt Walker will leave the club at the end of the season after accepting the Head Coach position at Sussex County Cricket Club.

2026-07-21T10:00+01:00

Walker, who joined the Bears coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season, has played a key role in the development of the club’s batting group and has helped nurture a number of emerging talents.

He will remain with the club until the end season, with the Bears sat just five points off the top of the Rothesay County Championship table and in the hunt for a first title since 2021.

Bears’ Head Coach Ian Westwood said: “We’re naturally disappointed to lose Walks but being offered a Head Coach role is a great opportunity and we would never want to stand in his way.

“On a personal level, having somebody with Walks’ experience to bounce ideas off has been invaluable and the impact he’s had on the group has been fantastic.

“He’ll be missed in the dressing room but hopefully we can have a strong finish to the season and end his time with us on a high.”

Walker added: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Bears and would like to thank Westy, the players, staff and supporters for making me feel so welcome.

“This is a fantastic club with great people and tremendous ambition. The chance to join Sussex as Head Coach is something I’m incredibly proud of and personally, it gives me the opportunity to move closer to my family.