Farbrace set for Kent return

Paul Farbrace, who will coach Kent's first team next season, avoided serious injury in the Lahore attack on March 3

Paul Farbrace will become Kent’s new first-team coach next season after the county confirmed Graham Ford would not resume his role in 2010.

Farbrace is currently part of the Sri Lanka coaching team but will return to the St Lawrence Ground, where he previously worked as both player and academy coach, at the end of the current campaign.

Ford cited family reasons for his departure but is currently discussing ways of maintaining links with the county.

As part of the restructuring Simon Willis, currently professional cricket manager, will become the county’s cricket operations and talent development manager.

Kent’s chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: “We are naturally sorry that Graham cannot continue with the club next season, but are delighted that Paul Farbrace has agreed to come back to Kent.

“The changes we are making sustain the quality of our coaching team, respond to personal circumstances, reflect the changing domestic cricket environment and play to individual strengths.

“Critical to our decisions has been the desire to form a team of individuals with a passion for Kent Cricket who are able to work together in a flexible way to achieve our objectives.”

A club statement added: “Having achieved so much, both Graham Ford and the club are keen to continue his links with Kent and are in discussions about how best this can be achieved.”