Chris Read steps up to lead the Rockets
Trent Rockets have officially appointed former Nottinghamshire and England wicketkeeper Chris Read as the new head coach of their women’s team, marking a major step in the club’s preparations for the 2026 Hundred season.
Read, 47, has been promoted from his assistant coach role, succeeding Jon Lewis, who departed after three years in charge. His appointment continues a long-standing association with Trent Bridge, where he became one of Nottinghamshire’s most respected figures across a 19-year playing career.
A homecoming for a Trent Bridge icon
A central figure in Nottinghamshire’s history, Read made over 700 appearances across formats and captained the county for a decade. His return to Trent Bridge in a leadership capacity marks a symbolic full circle for the former wicketkeeper-batter.
“It’s a deeply proud moment to take on a head coaching role based at the ground that I have a huge number of unbelievably special memories at,” said Read in a statement. “I’ve really enjoyed developing my coaching skillset with the Rockets over the last three summers, and the opportunity to continue that journey is really exciting.”
Read highlighted the importance of fan support at Trent Bridge, adding: “I felt the impact of a sold-out Trent Bridge crowd first-hand over many years, and I know how much their support can change the course of games.”
Coaching experience and new era of investment
In recent years, Read has built a strong coaching résumé, guiding Lancashire Women to two trophies earlier in 2025 and signing a contract extension through to 2027. His experience with the Rockets’ setup and at the domestic level made him a natural choice to lead the side into the competition’s next phase.
The appointment comes as the Rockets undergo significant transformation following the acquisition of a 49% stake by Cain International and Ares Management. The new investment group, which includes Chelsea FC owners Todd Boehly and Jonathan Goldstein, will operate the franchise alongside Nottinghamshire, who retain majority control.
“With all the fresh energy and investment into the Hundred, I’m really looking forward to starting the preparation for 2026 and beyond as we bid to deliver success,” said Read in a statement.
Backed by familiar faces and strong support
Read will be joined by his former Nottinghamshire teammate Luke Fletcher, who takes up the assistant coach role. The pair previously shared the dressing room at Trent Bridge and will now reunite in the dugout.
Rockets general manager Mick Newell, who coached Read during his playing days, said in a statement: “It’s a real full-circle moment for Chris to return to Trent Bridge to lead Trent Rockets, and we’re delighted to welcome him back.”
“Having established himself as a true club legend here with years of outstanding service as a player, he has now shown himself to be blossoming into an excellent coach and leader too,” said Newell. “His fantastic start to a coaching career at Lancashire, and his experience from previous years with the Rockets, will stand him in great stead, and we can’t wait to see him in his new role.”
Rockets look to turn promise into titles
Despite boasting some of the Hundred’s most talented players, including England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, the Rockets have yet to reach the women’s final. Their best finish came in 2022, when they were beaten in the Eliminator by Southern Brave.
With new investment, renewed leadership, and a familiar face at the helm, the Trent Rockets will be aiming to convert potential into silverware when the 2026 season begins.
