As Surrey’s director of cricket, Alec Stewart has overseen his county’s first County Championship title since 2002. Last month, with the club on the verge of success, the self-styled ‘Gaffer’ sat down with WCM editor-in-chief Phil Walker to discuss his coaching philosophy, what he’s learnt from Fergie’s United, and how he hopes to build a dynasty that will last.
When Alex Ferguson arrived at Manchester United in 1986, he found an ailing institution, one grown musty in the 21 years since their last league title. The senior players were neither young nor in great shape. The youngest player on the whole staff was 24. Ferguson looked about the place and concluded that something had to be done.
Stewart has just won his first championship with a side boasting nine homegrown players in its ranks when the pennant was secured at Worcester. He is a firm believer that teams of individuals cut from the same fabric pull together to create their own spirit. The rest of the county game, often on its uppers, casting envious glances towards south London, will have observed the Stewart revolution keenly; and will be acutely aware that this is merely the start.
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The full interview was initially published for issue 11 of Wisden Cricket Monthly, available to purchase HERE.
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