ACES Appoints New Coach and Selector for 2025/26

The ACES cricket team is gearing up for the much-anticipated 2025/26 season with a significant update to its coaching and selection staff. In a recent announcement that has already stirred excitement among fans and experts alike, the team has named Mitchell McClenaghan as the full-time ACES Assistant Coach and Richard Jones as an Independent Selector.

New Leadership In Coaching

Mitchell McClenaghan, better known by his Instagram handle @mitch_m81 and a celebrated former white-ball bowler, steps into his new role with a reputation built on dynamism and bold strategic thinking. McClenaghan’s career, detailed on several reputable sources, includes a notable record for New Zealand cricket. His innovative approach, as reflected in popular social media posts – including his infamous “A really bad idea – part 1” and “part 2” sagas where he humorously recounted six hitting and one-handed catches – positions him as a coach who is unafraid to experiment while focusing on performance and development. His on- and off-field insights have earned him praise from cricket enthusiasts, making his appointment a strategic move by ACES.

For fans who have followed his journey, McClenaghan’s recent podcast episode titled “Episode #34 – Mitchell McClenaghan: The Journey of having a Relentless Mindset” offers a glimpse into his transparent approach to overcoming challenges and adapting strategies. Now, with his hands firmly on the coaching reins, his experience is expected to translate into innovative training methods and a renewed tactical vision for ACES.

Selection And Strategy Reinforced

Alongside McClenaghan’s appointment, ACES has named Richard Jones as the Independent Selector. This role is pivotal in ensuring an unbiased and dynamic approach to talent evaluation, and Jones’s appointment underscores ACES’s commitment to blending fresh perspectives with seasoned expertise. The dual appointments indicate a strategic push toward building not only a competitive team but also a sustainable model where player development and robust selection processes are at the heart of success.

ACES’ official update, shared on their website and social media channels, emphasizes that the timing of these appointments is crucial. With the 2025/26 season fast approaching, the team is clearly focused on assembling a backroom staff that can identify emerging talents and refine existing skills. Although no verbatim quotes were provided, the tone of the announcement conveys excitement and determination. ACES is not just looking to fill positions; they are innovating their methodology in anticipation of the evolving nature of cricket in both domestic and international circuits.

Aces’ Vision For The Future

The decision to bring in McClenaghan and Jones marks more than just a staffing change—it signals ACES’ broader vision for a future where coaching ingenuity goes hand in hand with analytical player selection. The club’s management appears committed to investing in a personnel strategy that prioritizes both on-field performance and off-field development. By leveraging McClenaghan’s passion and hands-on experience, coupled with Jones’s independent oversight, ACES is poised to cultivate a team that can tackle modern cricket’s fast-paced, high-stakes challenges.

A look at previous highlights on McClenaghan’s social media further cements his reputation as a forward-thinking leader. Past Instagram posts, where he humorously acknowledged mishaps (such as the damage to a stadium window during a six hitting game), reveal a person who can connect with fans and bring a sense of relatability into high-pressure sporting environments. His willingness to both learn from and laugh about past errors may prove instrumental in fostering an environment of continuous improvement and resilience.

The integration of these seasoned professionals echoes a trend in contemporary cricket—one that sees a blend of raw talent, strategic coaching, and innovative selection as the pathway to success. Fans, coaches, and pundits alike are already engaging with the news on platforms like Instagram, where images captured by @photosportnz illustrate the electric atmosphere surrounding the appointments.

With these changes, ACES has not only refreshed its backroom staff but has also set the stage for a season that promises tactical depth and fresh energy. The appointments are expected to impact on-field strategies, with a particular focus on nurturing young talent and evolving traditional playstyles to match modern cricket’s demands.

As the team enters this new phase, supporters and cricket analysts are watching keenly to see how these leadership changes will influence ACES’s performance in the upcoming season. The blend of mentorship, innovative tactics, and rigorous selection could well serve as a blueprint for future successes—not just for ACES, but for cricket clubs embracing change in an ever-evolving sport.

Ultimately, these appointments reflect a philosophy where experience meets innovation. ACES is taking a confident step into the future by reinforcing its coaching and selection framework, ensuring that the team remains competitive, adaptable, and ready to meet the challenges of a demanding cricket landscape.

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Joyce

 

oyce Joyson is a sports, beauty, and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience creating engaging content. She holds a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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