Somerset have today announced Marcus Trescothick will continue as the county's captain for the 2014 season.
The 37-year-old former England opening batsman has led the club since 2010 and will be assisted by vice-captain James Hildreth next season.
Director of cricket Dave Nosworthy admitted to mulling over the decision for a while but decided Trescothick remained the best man for the job and it is hoped that the veteran will help guide Hildreth into a player capable of taking on the role in the future.
Nosworthy said: “We have thought carefully about the way forward and I am delighted to appoint Tres as the captain for the coming 2014 season.
“He has an outstanding record as a player and as captain and therefore I am highly confident that he will do the business this coming season and look forward to working very closely with him.
"Naturally we know that Tres cannot carry on and captain and play forever, and as such we will take stock again at the end of the 2014 season whilst ensuring that our leadership development programmes and succession plans are in place and invested upon.
"I am delighted that Hildy has accepted the position of vice-captain and has stepped up into this key leadership role. It is a real opportunity for him as a senior player in the team to participate fully in team decisions and to further establish himself as a leader in the group.
“In the past Hildy has had some captaincy experience and I have no doubt that he will dovetail superbly with Tres as they together start to form an effective working partnership."
Trescothick, who has led the team to four limited-overs finals and finished runners-up in the LV= County Championship during his time in charge, is excited for the challenge ahead.
"I am delighted to be at the helm of Somerset again. This will be my fifth year when I will be trying to lead the boys onto better things, and it should be a good year,” he said.
"I have still got that drive to go out and win the games. Leading the team puts that extra bit of pressure on me but also makes it a bit more special when you do well so the challenge is set. We appreciate what we have to do and all the hard work we have to put in.
"I am very happy to have Hildy as my vice-captain. He has taken charge a few times over the past few seasons and he is progressing well, and I think in time he will be a natural leader of a team."
Hildreth added: "I feel very privileged and proud to take on the role of vice-captain of Somerset and the responsibility that goes with it. It's a great opportunity for me to get more experience of leadership.
"Tres leads the team really well so hopefully we can form a good partnership and take the club forward."