Stewart, 60, has overseen probably the most profitable intervals in Surrey’s historical past, together with back-to-back County Championships in 2022 and 2023, and an extra title in 2018, having been a stalwart of the membership since signing his first skilled contract in 1981.
Nonetheless, he took a brief go away of absence in January final 12 months to assist take care of his spouse Lynn, who has been present process most cancers remedy, and now he has determined the time is correct for flip his full consideration to his household, and for the membership to discover a everlasting substitute.
Along with his achievements with Surrey, Stewart performed a then-record 133 Checks for England between 1990 and 2003, and is known to have turned down the possibility to develop into England’s head coach in 2019, in addition to their new selector in 2022.
“Indisputably, this has been the hardest determination of my working profession, however after cautious consideration I might be stepping down from my function as Director of Cricket on the finish of this calendar 12 months,” Stewart mentioned. “The principle motive for informing the membership at this cut-off date is to present them sufficient discover to discover a appropriate substitute.
“Since November 2013, I’ve given this job my complete dedication and it has been an honour and a privilege to be part of the best cricket membership on the earth. Nonetheless, the job isn’t one you could simply go away on the floor, because it calls for 24/7 consideration. As folks might know, my spouse has been battling most cancers since 2013 and I wish to give her, and my household, extra of my time over the approaching years than this job permits.”
Stewart’s departure was introduced to the gamers and workers on Thursday, and the seek for a successor guarantees to be an exhaustive one, given Surrey’s standing throughout the English sport. Among the many membership’s goals this 12 months are the strengthening of its ties with Oval Invincibles within the Hundred, and the expansion of the ladies’s facet of the sport, together with with the potential growth of a brand new stadium.
An indicator of Stewart’s tenure has been Surrey’s sturdy dressing-room tradition, together with the event of younger expertise on the county pathway, 9 of whom have gone on to play for England, together with Ollie Pope, Sam Curran and Will Jacks.
The pursuit of a hat-trick of County Championship titles is Surrey’s major intention for 2024 nonetheless, and Stewart – who himself received three Championships and three limited-overs trophies in his personal taking part in profession with the membership – mentioned that his focus wouldn’t waver regardless of his impending departure.
“I’m extremely pleased with what has been achieved during the last 11 years, successful trophies in addition to persevering with to supply our personal gamers by means of the Expertise Pathway and offering gamers for England,” he mentioned. “Supporting younger expertise to become top-quality gamers is among the most rewarding and gratifying elements of the job.
“I wish to thank all of the gamers, coaches and cricket administration workers I’ve labored with for his or her unbelievable help and laborious work. I would additionally wish to thank everybody who has performed their half in taking the membership ahead each on and off the sphere.
“I’ll at all times be obtainable to help the membership in any manner that I can and would additionally take into account different alternatives in and across the sport that work for me and the household.
“From now till my final working day, I assure that my dedication to the job and to the membership won’t diminish one bit and I’m totally focussed on serving to the squad to realize extra success.”
Oli Slipper, Surrey’s chair, added: “Alec has been an impressive chief during the last 11 years. He took over with the staff in a tough place and has constructed a membership in his personal picture that’s hard-working, devoted and humble. The values and the philosophy that he has created are the inspiration of the success that the staff has seen.
“While he’s stepping down from his function on the membership, we don’t wish to lose his data of the sport and I’ve little question that his successor will at all times have a useful voice to name upon if wanted. I wish to want Alec the easiest for the long run and likewise place on document my thanks for what he has executed for the membership.”
Steve Elworthy, Surrey’s CEO, mentioned “Alec has been one of many biggest servants this membership has ever seen and leaves a rare legacy. Alec’s professionalism, work ethic and dedication to the membership has pushed success in his taking part in days and much more in order Director of Cricket. The membership is the place it’s in the present day due to his ardour and his dedication.
“I totally respect and perceive the choice that Alec has made and want him and his household the easiest for the long run. We can not overstate his impression at Surrey and on behalf of the workers, the gamers and the Membership I wish to thank Alec for his service.”
