Adams takes Surrey reins

Chris Adams enjoys one of three championship titles during his time at Hove

Surrey have confirmed the appointment of former Sussex captain Chris Adams as their new professional cricket manager.

Adams has signed a three-year deal after being released from the final year of his playing contract at Hove.

He fills a newly-created role following Alan Butcher’s departure as Surrey coach at the end of a season that saw Surrey relegated from Division One of the LV County Championship after failing to win a game.

Adams will be joined at the Brit Oval by former England and Surrey batsman Graham Thorpe, who is to take up a post as a specialist batting coach.

“I am delighted to join Surrey at this stage,” said Adams, whose decision to move into management brings to an end a playing career spanning 20 years.

He is best known for steering Sussex to three LV County Championship titles between 2003 and 2007, having joined the county as skipper from Derbyshire in 1998.

Sussex also won the Friends Provident Trophy in 2006, and the NatWest Pro40 Division One title this year.

“Although there is sadness that I won’t walk out again as a player, that is overridden by my desire to take on this new challenge,” he added.

“It is a huge privilege for me to leave one role and walk straight into this amazing opportunity.

“Surrey are a big club with some high-performing players and I look forward to working alongside the guys as we look to bring long-term success back to the Brit Oval.

“There is nothing more rewarding than leading a group of men to great success. I’ve done that as a captain and now intend to do it again as a manager.”

Adams has called time on a 20-year playing career that yielded 19,535 first-class runs

Adams will have overall responsibility for all aspects of professional cricket at Surrey.

His desire to move into a management position has long since been known but in 2006 he had a change of heart after accepting a post as director of cricket at Yorkshire.

He instead stayed at Sussex and oversaw their third championship success in five seasons in 2007.

Adams began his playing career at Derbyshire but made his name at Sussex, where he established himself as the most successful captain in their history during 11 years in charge.

He stood down as skipper at the end of last season and had initially indicated he would carry on playing, but Surrey’s offer has proved too good to refuse.

Gus Mackay, who left his job as Sussex chief executive to become Surrey managing director towards the end of the season, said: “Securing Chris’ services after what was a very thorough recruitment process is fantastic for the club.

“His experience, expertise and work ethic is exactly what we need to help instil a culture that will help us become a successful club once more.

“From his time at Sussex he knows a thing or two about winning trophies and I’m confident that he is the man to bring these winning ways back to Surrey in the coming years.

“We firmly believe that we need strong leadership off the field during this period of rebuilding and Chris is a natural leader of people. I wish him every success.”

Adams ends his playing career with 19,535 first-class runs at an average of almost 39. He played five Tests and five one-day internationals for England between 1998 and 2000.