John Windows Steps Down as Durham Men’s Academy Director After 27 Years

John Windows, the long-serving Director of Durham’s Men’s Academy, has stepped down from his role due to health reasons, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 27-year tenure that helped shape the careers of some of England’s finest cricketers.

Windows, 49, has been a cornerstone of Durham's player development since becoming an academy coach in 1999, before being promoted to Academy Director in 2007. Under his guidance, Durham’s academy evolved into one of the most successful talent pipelines in English cricket, producing international stars including Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, and Liam Plunkett.

Announcing his departure, Windows cited a recent medical diagnosis as the reason for stepping away from the physical demands of the role. Though leaving his full-time position, he will remain with the club in a mentorship capacity.

“It is with great sadness and regret that I am having to stand down,” said Windows. “I have enjoyed every day of my coaching career at Durham. It has been a privilege to work with such a great club and contribute to its success.

Unfortunately, I no longer have the physical capacity to support our young talent. Stepping back will give me time to recharge and look after myself—something I must prioritise if I am to maintain a normal life.”

Originally a batter in Durham’s second XI, Windows played a key role in transforming the club’s future through a strong focus on homegrown development. He was instrumental in recruiting a young Ben Stokes from Cumbria, leveraging strong regional ties to bring in promising talent.

Among the many players to come through under Windows’ stewardship are England internationals Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood, and Graham Onions, as well as recent stars such as Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and England Under-19 captain Ben McKinney.

Marcus North, Durham’s Director of Cricket, paid tribute to Windows’ legacy.

“John has played an extraordinary role in shaping the journeys of hundreds of young cricketers, many of whom have become professional and international players,” said North. “His vision, passion, and dedication have left a lasting mark on our pathway and the club as a whole.

While he is stepping back from leading the academy, we are delighted that he will remain involved. His wisdom and experience have inspired so many.”

North described Windows’ contribution as “remarkable” and credited him with helping make Durham’s academy one of the best in the country—a legacy that, he said, would endure for generations.