SOMERSET have announced the appointment of Andy Hurry as their new director of cricket, with Jason Kerr promoted to the role of head coach.

The duo fill the void left by Matthew Maynard, who left the club following the conclusion of the 2017 season.

Hurry, a former Royal Marines fitness instructor, originally joined Somerset in 2001 and rose through the ranks to become head coach until leaving to join the ECB in a director of high performance role in 2013.

Regarding his appointment, Somerset CEO Lee Cooper said:  “Andy Hurry enjoyed considerable success during his time with Somerset and since then he has gone on to gain extensive and valuable experience working with the ECB and the Young Lions Programme.

"He is held in extremely high regard by both the ECB and our playing staff and I am sure that he will be welcomed back with open arms by our Members and supporters.”

Kerr has been involved with the club in a coaching role since his Somerset playing career ended prematurely due to injury in 2002, and now makes the step up to become head coach.

Cooper said: “Jason is the perfect candidate for the role of Head Coach. He is highly regarded by our players and has their full respect.

"His knowledge of the Club and the unique culture that surrounds it is second to none. He has also played a major role in the development of our exciting young players who are now breaking in to the first XI."

Jason Kerr said: “Somerset is a unique and special club and the group of players we have available to us at present is extremely exciting.

"There is a great blend of young talent alongside some truly exceptional players of experience. The future is looking bright for the club and I am delighted to be able to play a part in that.”