Sam Northeast Savours Glamorgan’s Promotion But Admits to Bittersweet Farewell

The mixed emotions are there because he is preparing to leave Glamorgan at the end of the season.

The Welsh county sealed a return to the top flight for the first time in 20 years after their rain-hit match with Derbyshire at Derby ended in a draw, ensuring they could not be overtaken in the promotion places. 

Middlesex’s stalemate with Lancashire later in the day confirmed Glamorgan’s place alongside the elite in 2025.

But while teammates and supporters celebrated the long-awaited step up, captain Northeast – who will re-join Kent next season to be closer to his young family – acknowledged mixed emotions.

“It’ll be nice to enjoy it and not have the stress of looking at bonus points, there’s no doubt I’m going to miss it but it’ll be a nice way to finish at home knowing we’ve got the points and promotion is sealed,” he said.

Northeast has played a central role in Glamorgan’s resurgence since joining in 2021, scoring record-breaking runs and leading the side with distinction. 

His personal ledger is formidable: the county’s all-time highest individual score of 410 not out, a one-day best of 177 not out, a Lord’s ground record of 335 not out, and the player of the match award in the 2024 One Day Cup final.

“There’ve been a few (personal) milestones along the way, and winning the one day comp last year. 

“There’ve certainly been some real high moments and I found my love for playing again when I came here (to Glamorgan), so I’m going to truly miss the place and the people,” he reflected.

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The captain admitted the season had not always looked destined for glory, with Glamorgan bottom of the table after three rounds. 

“At the start of the season we wanted to win Division Two,” he told BBC Sport Wales. 
“In the last few weeks a lot of rain has played havoc with the game, so to come here and get the points to make sure we’re promoted, it’s a great effort from everyone considering where we were after the first four games when we thought we were in trouble.

“It takes great guts and determination from the team, and it’s been a team game where everyone has contributed so that’s the most pleasing thing. 

“The message from Daws (Richard Dawson, about first innings runs) has been really clear … and when we’ve got the likes of Ben Kellaway and Mason Crane to finish off games with the ball, we’ve always believed we could get the 10 wickets.”

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Northeast’s departure will leave a sizeable hole both on and off the pitch, but the veteran insists he leaves the squad in strong health. 

“We’re building something really good,” he said. “Nights like this are a good way of persuading them.”

Glamorgan’s longest-serving player, Chris Cooke, echoed that sentiment, recalling near misses over the past decade before this long-awaited breakthrough. 

“We’ve been building a core of players for five or six years … maybe a different coach has made the difference. 

“It wasn’t looking great getting zero points at Lord’s in the third game and being bottom of the table, but to go on the run we did is testament to the players and coaching staff, and everyone associated with the club,” Cooke said.

The challenge now is survival in Division One, something Glamorgan failed to achieve in 2001 and 2005. 

“It’s going to be tough in the First Division so we can’t rest on our laurels and go up to compete, to try to stay up, and the hard work starts now,” Cooke warned.

For Northeast, however, the coming days will be a chance to savour the moment – and say goodbye. 

His final match at home to Lancashire offers a fitting stage for a captain whose time in Cardiff has been defined by records, trophies and now, at last, promotion.

“I’m going to truly miss the place and the people,” he said. 

“But I’ll always remember this feeling.”