Butcher leaves Surrey

Surrey have parted company with cricket manager Alan Butcher following a disastrous season which saw the county relegated from Division One of the LV County Championship without winning a match.

Alan Butcher leaves Surrey following a season which saw relegation in the championship

The Brit Oval-based side finished bottom of the top tier in first-class cricket and also disappointed in the three limited-overs competitions.

Surrey made the decision following a meeting last week with Butcher who took over after the 2005 season when they also suffered relegation in the championship.

He oversaw Surrey’s promotion in his first season in charge and a strong end to the 2007 campaign helped retain their top-flight status.

The club are in the process of agreeing the finer points of Butcher’s departure and an official statement will be released when terms have been agreed.

New director of cricket Gus Mackay, who begins his role on Wednesday having moved from Sussex, will lead the search for new candidates.

Butcher’s son, former England batsman Mark, is club captain although he missed most of the campaign after requiring a knee operation.