Relegation "not the end of the world" for Sussex - Mark Robinson
- Published
Michael Yardy (right) was unable to help Sussex avoid the drop in his final professional appearance
Sussex cricket manager Mark Robinson is "bitterly disappointed" by their relegation from Division One but adamant they can return stronger.
The Hove side suffered the drop from the top tier of the County Championship following their 100-run defeat by Yorkshire on Friday.
"It is not the end of the world and that is the key," he told BBC Sussex.
"In the winter we will be looking how every single one of us can come back bigger and better."
He added: "We are all emotional because we are passionate and care for our supporters and players.
Sussex can return stronger - Robinson
"But we need to make sure we give ourselves space so all the decisions we make are for the good of Sussex so we can rebuild and come back stronger."
Hampshire's victory over Notts earlier on Friday meant Sussex had to avoid defeat against the champions at Headingley to remain in the top flight.
They were set a target of 309 to win but were reduced to 61-5 and were eventually bowled out for 208, a defeat which ended their five-year stay in Division One.
"We have to congratulate Yorkshire and take our hat off to Hampshire, with a great rearguard action and three wins from the last five games," Robinson added.
"We keep it in perspective. We are a good club, we are a proud club and have got some good people."
Analysis - BBC Sussex's Adrian Harms |
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"Having won three of their opening five Championship matches, Sussex looked more like Championship contenders than relegation candidates. However just one win thereafter sealed their fate. Injuries in the fast bowling department were a key factor, but so was the lack of runs in the top-order as Sussex relied heavily on their middle order particularly Luke Wright and Ben Brown. The retirement of Michael Yardy will leave a huge gap in the dressing room, and Sussex must lick their wounds and regroup quickly to regain their Division One status next season." |
Sussex won three of their first five Championship matches in 2015, but picked up only one more victory during the remainder of the season.
Robinson says injuries to their seam bowling department - specifically James Anyon, Chris Jordan and Ajmal Shahzad - have taken their toll.
"It was pretty awful in the middle of the season," he said.
"There were times where we only had three seamers to pick from. That exposed us and we weren't really able to cope.
"There are a couple of things which we need to deal with and address. It is a time to take stock, rebuild and to go again."
- Published25 September 2015
- Published18 October 2019
