Flower named UK Coach of the Year

ECB Chief Executive David Collier today hailed the contribution of Andy Flower after the England Team Director won two prestigious awards at the 2011 UK Coaching Awards.

Flower was named UK Coach of the Year and High-Performance Coach of the Year at an awards ceremony in London last night which was hosted by sports coach UK and attended by Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal.

The double award was in recognition of his role in helping England become the number one ranked Test side in the world following a four nil whitewash over India earlier this year and last winter's historic first Ashes success 'Down Under' since 1986-87.

Commenting on Flower's achievement, David Collier said: "Andy has been an outstanding Coach to the England cricket team and I am delighted that his dedication, knowledge and all-round leadership skills have been recognised within the wider sporting world.

"The last twelve months have been momentous ones for the England cricket team and this is in no small part due to Andy's personal drive and determination to bring the best out of his players and ensure that our preparation and performance are second to none."

The world 400 metre hurdles champion Dai Greene's coach, Malcolm Arnold, and Team GB sailing coach, Matt Howard, were also shortlisted for High-Performance award.

A Special Lifetime Achievement award was presented at last night's event in honour of the former Kent, Worcestershire and England fast bowler Graham Dilley who passed away in October.

The presentation was made to Graham's son Chris Pennell in honour of his father's achievements in developing cricketers as a bowling coach with Surrey, Scotland and England, and most recently as the Head Coach to Loughborough University's cricket teams.

ECB Managing Director, England cricket Hugh Morris said: "Graham made a very significant contribution to our game as a Coach and this award is a fitting tribute to the role he played in enabling so many players to realise their full potential at both domestic and international level."