Chris Milward unveiled as new Staffordshire head coach for 2026 season

Milward, who is Staffordshire's head of performance, will be assisted by Staffs batsman Pete Wilshaw. 

The pair recently helped the county's winter training programme and fulfilled match day duties in the 2025 season, as Andy Carr battled against cancer. 

Carr stepped down as head coach towards the end of the summer and sadly passed away in September at the age of 51. 

Former Milford Hall captain Milward paid tribute to the work of Carr and his staff, and insists that he will only be looking to build on it. 

"I'm looking forward to continuing working with Pete and the players. That was a major factor in my decision to take on the role permanently," Milward said. 

"I wish the circumstances were different, but it's an honour to be asked to take on the role of head coach. 

"The work of Carri and Ketts over the past three years has been exceptional. We will be looking to build further on that and ensure some continuity rather than starting again, which we see absolutely no need to do. 

"We want to continue building an environment that people want to be a part of. And ensure that our processes are as good as they can possibly be."

Wilshaw and scored 5,894 runs for Staffordshire after making his debut as a 16-year-old in 2004. 

He went on to help Staffordshire to divisional titles, an overall Championship crown and their first ever Twenty20 Cup success. 

"I am pleased to be asked to carry on in a coaching capacity with Staffs," assistant Wilshaw added. 

"Everyone knows what the county means to me and I was honoured to be able to play for Staffordshire as long as I did."