Butcher named Surrey coach

New Surrey coach Alan Butcher © Getty Images

Surrey have promoted second XI coach Alan Butcher to take charge of the first team on a two-year contract with immediate effect.

He replaces Australian Steve Rixon, who spent two years in charge at The Brit Oval but it was announced last month that his contract was not being renewed.

Butcher has been with Surrey for the vast majority of his professional life and had no hesitation in accepting the offer when it came from chairman of cricket Micky Stewart.

Butcher - father of Surrey skipper and England international Mark - has been the coach of the second XI since 1998.

During that time he has brought many successful players through the ranks, including Scott Newman and Rikki Clarke.

Stewart said: "This has been a difficult season for the club and a strong, knowledgeable man who is dedicated to cricket in Surrey will be in charge during what will inevitably be a period of transition for the club in the immediate future.

“Alan is a Surrey man and the ideal candidate to take us forward."

Surrey went into the final Frizzell County Championship match of the season needing to beat London rivals Middlesex to preserve their top-flight status.