MATTHEW Maynard believes Somerset's squad has “the right mix” of players to mount an immediate challenge for silverware next season - and doesn't foresee many personnel changes on either the playing or coaching side.

Maynard was officially unveiled as the club's new director of cricket at a press conference on Monday afternoon - and the 48-year-old said he is looking forward to getting started at an “ambitious club.”

He said: “Looking from afar, it looks as if there's the right mix of senior players, good young players coming through and a couple in their mid-twenties.

"The talent is obviously there, it's just a case of being selective about who we look to get in and when we do that.

"But I can't really say much more than that until I've had a chance to speak to some of the senior players to get their views on what the side needs. I've got my own opinions and it will be interesting to see.

"I wouldn't have thought we'd need to bring in too many - one or two gaps have appeared, but I wouldn't have thought there would be too much.

"This is a very ambitious club, and, with the development going on here, the ambition is there to host international cricket - but also to see some silverware."

Maynard also confirmed that he intends to keep assistant coaches Jason Kerr and Dave Houghton as part of the coaching team, but hinted at a role change for batting coach Houghton.

He said: “I'm very happy with the coaching structure and my assistants who are here now.

"Jason Kerr has done an incredible job in developing a lot of the players through the academy into the second XI - and now he's working with those in the first team.

"I played a long time against Dave Houghton and also worked with him at the ECB, so I know how he works and he's a good fit.

“I'm looking forward to meeting up with him and having a discussion about how it works.

"He was obviously with the first team last summer - I envisage myself taking that role, but I'm sure there's a role there for Davie Houghton. He's a good man to have around Somerset."

Chief Executive Guy Lavender said: "The appointment of a Director of Cricket is an absolutely crucial one and we are delighted that Matt has joined us.

“He's been involved in the game for many years and has a tremendous track record as a player, a captain and as a coach.

“We think he's an outstanding leader and communicator and he is a man of great integrity and knowledge - we are very excited that he is here."