Lancashire director of cricket performance Mark Chilton is set to leave the club after more than 20 years with the county. David Thorley, director of women’s cricket, will also depart as the Red Rose county undertakes a behind-the-scenes restructuring.
A former Lancashire captain, Chilton assumed his current role in 2021 after joining the coaching staff in 2014. His exit comes amid a disappointing 2026 campaign that sees the men’s side heading for their lowest-ever County Championship finish. With one match remaining, Lancashire sit seventh in Division Two and could drop to the bottom pending final results.
Thorley, in post since 2020, oversaw the transition from a regional to a county-based structure in the women’s game. His tenure included victories in both the One-Day Cup and the T20 County Cup in 2025. However, the women’s team struggled this season, finishing bottom of the T20 Blast table and failing to reach the knockout stages of the One-Day Cup.
“We all share the ambition of seeing our Lancashire teams win games, progress in competitions and compete for trophies,” chief executive Daniel Gidney told the club’s official website. “For the men’s side, the County Championship is at the heart of the club’s cricketing vision, while for Lancashire Women, our aim is to consistently challenge for major honours.
“I would like to express my thanks to Mark for his long association with the Red Rose and to David for leading the women’s side through such a transformational period. Their contribution and commitment to Lancashire Cricket over the years is very much appreciated, and we wish them both well for the future.”
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