By Matt Somerford
Matthew Maynard has been appointed as the new Somerset director of cricket.
The former England assistant coach takes over the role from Dave Nosworthy, who agreed to leave the club by mutual consent last month after two years at the helm.
“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed as the director of cricket at Somerset CCC,” Maynard said.
“It’s a huge honour. It will be a new challenge for me and one that I am looking forward to very much. I’m very excited about being involved with such a talented group of players and I can’t wait to get started.”
Maynard takes over a Somerset side that finished sixth in the LV= County Championship this season and who narrowly failed to reach the knockout stage of either limited-overs tournament.
The club is without a major trophy since 2005, after a string of close calls, but Maynard will bring a CV filled with success to Taunton.
In addition to a 20-year playing career with Glamorgan – highlighted by lifting the 1997 County Championship title – the 48-year-old was assistant coach with England from 2004 until 2007, including the memorable 2005 Ashes success.
More recently was named the 2012 Coach of the Year in South Africa when he led the Titans to the domestic four-day and Twenty20 titles.
He was director of cricket at Glamorgan until leaving the post in 2010.
Somerset chief executive Guy Lavender said: “We are delighted that Matt has been appointed as our director of cricket and he will have direct responsibility for coaching the first XI.
“His track record speaks for itself and he has a wealth of leadership experience, coaching knowledge and passion for the game. I have every confidence that he will build on our strong foundations and the winter period provides a great opportunity for him to prepare the squad for a successful 2015.
“I know he will receive a very warm welcome from all the coaching and playing staff, as well as our members and supporters.”
Maynard made 395 first-class appearances for Glamorgan, scoring almost 25,000 runs, and led the Welsh county to their most recent championship title.
He played four Tests for England, between 1988 and 1994, and 14 one-day internationals.
Earlier this summer he coached the St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League.