Cliftonville Academy have confirmed the appointment of Jared Wilson as their Director of Cricket.

The 22 year-old South African has held a wide portfolio of coaching roles, having been at Ardmore for three years before joining Newbuildings in 2022.

He has also coached at Glendermott, Holywood and Ulster University.

Jared Wilson

"I’m very excited to be joining Cliftonville Cricket Club," Wilson told CricketEurope. 

"It is a club that is going in the right direction with the goal to be one of the leading Irish clubs.

"I hope with my experience in coaching and playing, I can help them get closer to that goal. I look forward to giving it absolute everything in helping the club to a competing for some silverware in the 2023 season."

Wilson skippered Newbuildings to the Premier League title as well as lifting the Faughan Valley Cup. He also featured regularly for the Warriors and skippered Ireland Academy in the recent European Cricket League in Spain.

Jared Wilson batting for Ireland Academy: Diana Oros

He scored 708 runs and took 37 wickets in a fine all-round campaign at the FoyleView Arena.

Cliftonville Academy have plans to establish a girls/women's side and that will be included in his work portfolio as well as having responsibility for youth and men's sides.

Wilson's switch may not be the only arrival at the club, with speculation surrounding a return to his boyhood club for Paul Stirling from North Down.

Given Ireland's planned busy schedule for 2023, there may not be too many appearances for 'Stirlo', but a short-term deal may be ideal for both parties.

It promises to be quite an exciting time for Cliftonville Academy who are clearly quite ambitious in their plans.