Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades are pleased to announce a contract extension for WBBL Head Coach, Simon Helmot.
Helmot was appointed to the role ahead of last summer on a two-year contract and has now added another season, which will see him continue at the helm until at least the end of WBBL|09.
In his first season, Helmot – alongside first-year captain Sophie Molineux – guided the Renegades to a finals return and a second-placed finish at the end of the regular season.
The experienced coach holds a range of T20 roles internationally, including as head coach of the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League and as an assistant coach with SunRisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
Melbourne Renegades General Manager, James Rosengarten, said it was an easy decision to lock Helmot in for another season.
“The impact Simon had in his first season as our WBBL Head Coach was fantastic and we’re thrilled to have him now committed to leading our program for the next two seasons,” Rosengarten said.
“He brings a wealth of knowledge from his coaching experiences in Australia and in T20 competitions around the world.
“In a short period of time, Simon has been able to build a great team culture and strong relationships with his players. It’s an environment our players loved being part of last year.
“We want to continue to play an entertaining, fearless brand of cricket and Simon is absolutely the right person to drive that as we strive to win our first WBBL title.”
After an outstanding first year in charge, Helmot is excited by the challenge of trying to help the Renegades win their first WBBL title.
“I really enjoyed my first year coaching this group and am excited to see what we can achieve as a team this summer,” Helmot said.
“We have a talented playing list which is brilliantly led by Sophie Molineux and a lot of exciting, young players who will only continue to develop in the years ahead.
“I’m passionate about developing people and creating an environment where players are well supported, enjoy their cricket, and can perform at their best.
“I look forward to building on the foundations we laid last year as a team – both on and off the field – playing an exciting brand of cricket and continuing to push for team success over the next couple of years.”
The Renegades will begin their WBBL|08 campaign on October 16 against the Adelaide Strikers in Mackay.
For the first time in three seasons, the Renegades will be back playing WBBL matches in Victoria – with matches in Ballarat (October 29 and 30), at the CitiPower Centre (November 10, 12 and 13) and Moe (November 20).
Melbourne Renegades memberships and tickets to all matches are now on sale. Tickets are priced at $10 for Adults and free for Under 18s.
To see the full WBBL|08 fixture, click here.
