Thomas to give Bears new vision for future trophy joy

JAMES Thomas, Warwickshire's new performance director, wants to create a winning culture at Edgbaston - and help the Bears win trophies.

- BRIGG FORD

Thomas will move from his role as Manchester City’s director of performance services in June.

The 42-year-old has worked in elite performance across a range of sports and played a lead role in building foundations for a high-performing environment at British Gymnastics, which delivered multiple medals at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

“The club presented a vision to me of inspiring through winning teams. That's what I'm here to do,” said Thomas.

“I'll take accountability for all the programmes here, put in place systems and structures so when a player arrives through the academy or elsewhere, they have the best possible coaching support, technology, science and medicine, to allow them to perform to their best.

“I've worked in lots of sports environments. All are unique with their technical and tactical requirements, but there are commonalities. Everything, from the mindset of an elite performer and approaches, to coaching, to behaviours and culture. It’s about creating an environment with a focus on winning.