Heather Knight, who captained Spirit to their first title last year, is unavailable through injury, but will remain with the squad, assisting Liddle in a coaching and mentoring role. She has been replaced in the playing squad by batter Kira Chathli, who was part of the title-winning Oval Invincibles side in 2022.
England bowling all-rounder Dean, who also captained the side in Knight’s absence in 2022, has been a stalwart of the London Spirit side since the start of The Hundred in 2021 and was a crucial part of the title-winning side last year.
London Spirit can also confirm that title-winning coach Ashley Noffke has left his position as Head Coach to take up a role with Pakistan’s men’s team. Bowling coach Liddle will replace Noffke as Head Coach. Liddle began his coaching career as bowling coach, then assistant coach, at Northamptonshire in 2020 and is now England Women Performance Pace Bowling Coach. He is well-known among the Spirit squad, having worked with the team for three years and now steps into his first major Head Coach role.
Fraser Stewart, London Spirit’s General Manager, said: “Ashley was a highly respected coach, who will be much missed at Lord’s. I would like to place on record our thanks for the hard work, dedication and excellence he brought to the role, and his key part in securing our first title. His departure gives an opportunity for Chris Liddle to step up to the Head Coach role, which he thoroughly deserves. Heather’s injury was unfortunate but we’re delighted that she’ll still be able to share her unrivalled experience with the squad this summer.”
Dean said: “I am so excited to be leading London Spirit again this summer. We have a great squad and I know the expectation will be high after winning the competition last year. I am gutted that Heather won’t be playing with us this year, but it’s brilliant that she’ll still be around to help us out. Tapping into her experience and knowledge will be invaluable.”
Liddle commented: “I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead this team. We’ve worked hard over the years to build the culture and environment around the team, both with the right players and the right backroom staff. This is very much how we intend to keep things. We all have a great opportunity to keep the franchise moving forwards and I cannot wait to get going.”