Graham Ford is Kent's new director of cricket

Graham Ford is Kent's new director of cricket © Standard Bank

Kent have named the former South Africa coach Graham Ford as their new director of cricket, a position which was vacant for just over a year after Ian Brayshaw retired at the end of 2003.

Ford, 44, played for Natal from 1982 to 1990 and later became their coach. In 1999 he took charge South Africa, and they won nine of the 11 series under his guidance.

"I am naturally very excited about my new role at Kent," said Ford. "There is a great deal of coaching and playing talent within the club and I look forward to providing a culture and environment in which all those involved can make the most of that undoubted ability."

Graham Johnson, Kent's chairman, was excited by the appointment: "We have been through a very thorough process in arriving at our final decision. In deciding on Graham we believe we have the right man for the job. He has extensive experience at both first-class and international level and we are sure our existing coaching team and players will benefit from his vast experience."

Ford will manage the county's coaches, Simon Willis, Paul Farbrace and Chris Stone, in a two-year programme for the full county side, and will also be in charge of developing young talent.