ENFIELD Cricket Club face a race against time to get a professional for the new season after losing Gary Brent.

 The Zimbabwean had settled in Hyndburn and has been coaching at Stoneyhurst College but  has been offered a permanent coaching role at a “Rugby School” in Warwickshire.

 “We knew about his new job but he was due to begin in September but it has been brought forward to April,” said Enfield skipper David Bracewell.

 “He has been looking at coaching as a long term career outside from playing cricket so obviously it is too good an opportunity to turn down especially with a young family.

“It’s a 12 months a year contract and obviously has more stability than being a professional for six months.

 “It is not good for the club after the impact he made both on and off the field last year and he will be very difficult to replace but we respect his decision.”

Bracewell continued: “Gary will continue to coach us until March and has had us running all through the winter and training hard.

“He has had a big impact at the club and has been the perfect pro as he has retired from international cricket and gave a lot of time to the club. But we now have to move on.

 “We have applied for a work permit acceptance certificate as we look for a new professional but that could take until the end of February to come through so it will be tight, with the season starting in April.

“It is hard at the moment as the big names are waiting to hear about county contracts or to see if they are involved in the IPL 20/20 so we will have to use our contacts and see what happens.”

The pro, though, will still be helping with the indoor nets at Enfield.

He will coach the seniors and juniors from 8 February (Juniors 2-3pm and seniors 3-4.30pm) at St Christophers Sports Hall to mid March.

Enfield’s AGM is Thursday 5 February at 8pm.