Richard Johnson’s Departure from Middlesex Cricket: A Detailed Look
In June 2025, Middlesex Cricket announced that Richard Johnson would step down as the Men’s first-team coach with immediate effect, following a series of disappointing results in the 2025 season. The decision, reported by sources like ESPNcricinfo and BBC Sport, marks the end of Johnson’s tenure, which began in 2022. Despite his deep connection to the club, Middlesex’s struggles in the County Championship and Vitality T20 Blast prompted the club to part ways, seeking to revitalize the squad’s performance.
Background on Richard Johnson
Richard Johnson, aged 50, is a Middlesex stalwart, having played over 200 matches for the club during his career. He returned to Middlesex in 2022 as first-team coach, succeeding Stuart Law, after serving as assistant coach in 2009 and interim head coach in 2018. His coaching journey also included a stint at Surrey from 2019 to 2021. Johnson’s first season as head coach in 2022 was a highlight, with Middlesex securing promotion to Division One of the County Championship. However, relegation in 2023 and ongoing challenges defined his tenure. Known as a “modern Middlesex cricketing great,” Johnson’s dedication to the club has been widely acknowledged.
Reasons for Departure
The primary driver for Johnson’s departure was Middlesex’s underwhelming performance in the 2025 season. In the County Championship, the team secured only two victories in their first seven matches, placing them sixth in Division Two, just five points above the bottom. In the Vitality T20 Blast, they managed a single win in six games, finishing seventh in the South Group. Alan Coleman, Middlesex’s director of cricket, noted in the club’s official statement that “cricket is a performance business,” and the results did not meet the high expectations set for the squad. Johnson navigated significant off-field challenges, including financial constraints, but the club decided it was time for a change to maximize the team’s potential.
| Competition | 2025 Performance | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| County Championship | 2 wins, 3 losses in 7 matches, 6th place | Below expectations |
| Vitality T20 Blast | 1 win, 3 losses in 6 matches, 7th place | Failed to reach knockout stages |
| Metro Bank One-Day Cup | 6th place in 2024 (prior season) | No knockout qualification |
Statements and Reactions
Alan Coleman praised Johnson’s commitment, stating, “Jono has put his heart and soul into the role since he returned to the Club in 2022, and we thank him for all his hard work” (Middlesex CCC). However, he emphasized that the results fell short of expectations. On X, reactions were mixed, with some fans arguing the decision was harsh, citing Johnson’s leadership through tough times. Cricket journalist Nick Friend suggested that broader club issues, beyond Johnson’s control, contributed to the team’s struggles, sparking debate about the fairness of the decision.
Middlesex’s Performance Under Johnson
Johnson’s tenure saw a mix of highs and lows. In 2022, he led Middlesex to promotion from Division Two to Division One of the County Championship, a significant achievement. However, relegation followed in 2023, and in 2024, the team finished third in Division Two, narrowly missing promotion behind Sussex and Yorkshire. The 2025 season proved particularly challenging, with Middlesex struggling in both red-ball and white-ball formats. Key matches included a rare T20 Blast win against Essex, driven by performances from Stephen Eskinazi and Kane Williamson, and a heavy defeat to Somerset despite strong batting from Max Holden and Ben Geddes. The club failed to reach the knockout stages of the T20 Blast or Metro Bank One-Day Cup during Johnson’s time in charge.
| Season | County Championship | Vitality T20 Blast | Metro Bank One-Day Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Promoted to Division One | 8th in South Group | 4th in Group Stage |
| 2023 | Relegated to Division Two | 9th in South Group | 7th in Group Stage |
| 2024 | 3rd in Division Two | 8th in South Group | 6th in Group Stage |
| 2025 | 6th in Division Two | 7th in South Group | Not yet concluded |
The Future for Middlesex Cricket
Middlesex has not yet announced a permanent replacement for Johnson, with an interim coach likely to take over for the remainder of the 2025 season. The club faces significant challenges, including improving performance in the County Championship and T20 Blast, addressing financial constraints, and resolving off-field issues. The focus will be on leveraging the talent within the current squad, including players like Eskinazi and Holden, to achieve better results and aim for promotion in future seasons. The addition of consultant coaches like Ian Salisbury in 2023 suggests Middlesex is committed to strengthening its coaching staff to support these goals.
Conclusion
Richard Johnson’s departure from Middlesex Cricket marks the end of a significant chapter for the club. As a player, assistant coach, and first-team coach, Johnson served with distinction, navigating the team through promotion, relegation, and financial difficulties. However, the pressures of modern county cricket, where performance is paramount, led to his exit. As Middlesex looks to rebuild, the club must address its challenges and harness its potential to return to the top tier of English cricket. Fans and members can stay updated on coaching changes and team progress through the official sites.
