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MEET THE TEAM
Simon Jackson
Director of Cricket & Founder of Jackson Cricket
Simon Jackson is a former first-class and List A opening batsman from Jamaica, where he represented Jamaica, Combined Campuses & Colleges, and the prestigious Vice Chancellors XI. During his seven-year professional playing career, Simon had the opportunity to play alongside and against many international cricket stars, further refining his understanding of the game at the highest levels. After retiring from first-class cricket, Simon extended his playing career in the UK as an overseas professional, ultimately relocating permanently in 2017. Since then, he has made a name for himself as a coach, contributing to a variety of elite and grassroots programmes, including Surrey CCC, MCC, The ACE Programme, Jersey Cricket, and The ECB City Cup. Simon holds the prestigious ECB Specialist Coaching Qualification (Level 4) and currently serves as the Cricket Academy Head Coach at the renowned Whitgift School in Surrey. Building on his extensive coaching experience, Simon had the privilege of working closely with the West Indies Test team during their 2024 tour of England, where he assisted the batters in refining their technique and strategy. This unique opportunity allowed Simon to contribute to international cricket while further honing his coaching expertise at the highest level. As the former Head Coach of Crouch End CC, Simon led the club to its first-ever Middlesex County Premiership Championship, a historic achievement for the team. Together with his team at Jackson Cricket, Simon is committed to delivering high-quality coaching and mentoring, aimed at helping players of all levels unlock their full potential. Whether you're a beginner or aspiring professional, Simon and his coaches are here to guide your cricket journey.
Curriculum & Coach Developer
Ian Read
Ian Read brings over 20 years of cricket development and coaching experience to the Jackson Cricket team, where he plays a vital role in providing planning and mentoring support to our cricket programmes. Ian holds an ECB Level 3 Advanced Coaching Qualification and has held numerous key roles throughout his career, including positions at Surrey CCC, Oxted & Limpsfield CC, and various schools within both the State and Independent sectors. Ian is the Head Coach at the newly promoted Surrey Championship Division 1 club Oxted & Limpsfield CC, where he remains actively involved in cricket delivery across the club. His extensive experience in both club and school environments ensures that Ian brings a well-rounded approach to coaching, balancing technical skill development with mentoring and holistic player growth. At Jackson Cricket, Ian leads our Elmhurst School programme and the Winter Performance Emerging Stars Programme, working closely with players to help them reach their full potential. He also plays a key role in the development of our coaching team, heading up our internal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme, which Jackson Cricket places high value on to ensure our coaches continuously refine and enhance their skills. Ian’s dedication to nurturing young talent, combined with his commitment to the professional development of his fellow coaches, makes him an invaluable asset to the Jackson Cricket team.
Lead Coach - Batting & Wicket-keeping
Jake Dunford
Jake Dunford is an ECB Specialist Coach (Level 4) and an active international cricketer currently representing the Jersey national team as a wicketkeeper-batter in both One Day International (ODI) and T20 International (T20I) cricket. Having competed around the world and performed in high-performance environments, Jake brings a wealth of current playing experience and contemporary coaching knowledge to the Jackson Cricket team. A long-standing and highly valued member of the Jackson Cricket coaching team, Jake has played an integral role in the development of many players across our programmes. His enthusiasm, professionalism and ability to build strong relationships with young cricketers make him one of the most respected coaches within our organisation. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding young coach helping to shape the next generation of players. Jake currently serves as the Cricket Professional at Whitgift School, where he works within one of the country's leading school cricket programmes, supporting players across all age groups and performance levels. His coaching experience extends across a variety of environments, including roles in New Zealand, Japan and the UK, giving him a broad understanding of player development and different coaching methodologies. In addition to his work at Whitgift School, Jake is the Wicketkeeping Coach for the Surrey CCC Senior Women's Team, working with some of the country's leading female cricketers and helping them prepare for the demands of professional cricket. A graduate of Durham University with a BA (Hons) in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity (2:1), Jake combines academic knowledge with extensive practical experience. His coaching philosophy focuses on creating engaging learning environments that challenge players to develop technically, tactically and mentally, whilst maintaining a genuine enjoyment of the game. At Jackson Cricket, Jake leads the development of our batting and wicketkeeping programmes, providing specialist coaching and mentoring to players of all ages and abilities. His passion for helping young people achieve their potential, combined with his experience as both an international player and elite coach, makes him an invaluable member of the Jackson Cricket coaching team.
Specialist Coach - Fast Bowling
Arthur Godsal
Arthur Godsal is an accomplished cricket coach with a rich background in both professional playing and coaching. A fast-bowling all-rounder, Arthur represented England at Under 17 and Under 19 levels, and his career includes serving as twelfth man for the England Test team. He has been professionally contracted with Middlesex CCC and played for England in the T10 European Cricket Championship, Wiltshire CCC (National Counties Cricket Association), as well as numerous County 2XI and premiership club teams. Arthur holds a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Studies (2:1) and a Master’s Degree in Sport Science and Performance Coaching from Solent University. He is currently pursuing his ECB Level 3 Advanced Coaching qualification. His coaching career has taken him to the UK, West Indies, and Australia, where he has worked across various levels, gaining diverse coaching experience. In his full-time role as a Sports Graduate Assistant at Whitgift School, Arthur plays a key role in the school's Student Athlete Mentoring Programme, where he helps support and develop young cricketers both on and off the field. His work at Whitgift reflects his holistic approach to coaching, focusing not just on performance, but also on athlete well-being, personal development and dual careers. Arthur’s passion for strength and conditioning is integral to his coaching philosophy, and he is currently pursuing a Level 4 certification and his UKSCA accreditation in this area. He has also completed a Level 3 qualification in Athlete Personal Development and Lifestyle, further emphasising his commitment to helping athletes thrive both physically and mentally. At Jackson Cricket, Arthur is responsible for the development of fast bowlers as well as the overall strength & conditioning of the athletes. His dedication to player well-being, inclusivity, and holistic athletic development makes him a valuable asset to the Jackson Cricket team.
Lead Coach - Fast Bowling
Richard Johnson
Richard Johnson is one of the most accomplished fast-bowling coaches in English cricket, bringing a wealth of experience from both the professional playing and coaching environments. A former England international and highly respected coach, Richard joins Jackson Cricket as our Lead Coach - Fast Bowling, where he will oversee the development of pace bowlers across our programmes. A right-arm fast-medium bowler, Richard enjoyed an outstanding professional career with Middlesex and Somerset before representing England in Test and One Day International cricket in 2003. During his career he claimed over 500 first-class wickets including an incredible 10 wickets for 45 runs for Middlesex, a record that remains one of the finest bowling displays in the modern era. Following his retirement from professional cricket, Richard established himself as one of the country's leading bowling coaches. His coaching journey has included senior roles with Middlesex CCC and Surrey CCC, where he worked extensively with emerging and international players, helping fast bowlers develop the technical, tactical and physical skills required to succeed at the highest level. He later served as Head Coach at Middlesex County Cricket Club. Richard holds the prestigious ECB Specialist Coaching Qualification (Level 4) and is widely recognised for his expertise in fast-bowling performance, workload management, skill acquisition and player development. His coaching philosophy balances technical excellence with creating resilient, confident athletes capable of performing under pressure. At Jackson Cricket, Richard will lead the design and delivery of our fast-bowling curriculum. He will lead the High Performance Fast Bowling Academy; his extensive professional experience, combined with his passion for coach and player development, ensures that aspiring fast bowlers receive world-class guidance in a challenging, supportive and enjoyable environment. Richard's knowledge, experience and dedication to helping players maximise their potential make him an outstanding addition to the Jackson Cricket coaching team, and we are delighted to welcome him to the team.
Specialist Coach - Fast Bowling
Pranay Jagani
Pranay Jagani is an emerging talent in both cricket coaching and the playing field. A left-arm fast bowler currently representing Crouch End Cricket Club, Pranay brings firsthand experience of competitive cricket, having come through the Surrey CAG Pathway. His recent completion of the ECB Foundation Coaching Qualification marks the beginning of his coaching journey, and he is eager to continue his coach education to further develop his skills. Alongside his coaching ambitions, Pranay is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics & Finance at the University of Surrey. His passion for cricket remains a driving force, and he is particularly motivated to assist in the development of young players, drawing from his own experience of completing the county pathway. Pranay's unique perspective as a recent pathway graduate allows him to connect with aspiring cricketers, guiding them through the challenges and opportunities that come with progressing through the game. At Jackson Cricket, Pranay’s enthusiasm, energy, and desire to learn make him a valuable asset to the team, and he is committed to helping young cricketers reach their full potential both on and off the field.
Specialist Coach - Spin Bowling
Christopher Green
Christopher Green is a dedicated cricket coach and bowling all-rounder, bringing a calm, thoughtful approach to his work with young players. A left-arm spinner and middle-order batter, Chris currently plays for Crouch End Cricket Club and previously represented Jamaica at Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 levels—experiences that have helped shape his understanding of the game. Now studying Law at the University of East London, Chris is balancing his academic pursuits with a growing coaching career. Since moving to the UK, he has completed his ECB Level 2 Coaching Qualification and continues to develop his coaching style, with a strong focus on building confidence and game awareness in young cricketers. Chris’ approachable nature and steady presence make him a valuable member of the Jackson Cricket coaching team. Drawing on both his playing and coaching experience, he is committed to supporting the development of each player, helping them build their skills and enjoy the game.