Marcus Trescothick: 'It's a good time to take on extra responsibility within the team' © Getty Images

Marcus Trescothick has been named Somerset's vice-captain for 2009 as looks to take over the captaincy from Justin Langer in the longer term.

He replaces Andrew Caddick, who will concentrate on his role as a senior player for next season.

Trescothick, who retired from international cricket following another illness earlier this year, said he was looking forward to the challenge. "Having finished my international career and got my benefit year and my book behind me, it's a good time to take on extra responsibility within the team.

"Justin and I talk a lot while standing at first and second slip and that will obviously continue while I am his vice captain," he told Somerset's website. "Looking further ahead I am keen to be captain one day. I have done the job now and again for Somerset and for England in five one-day internationals, but that doesn't allow you to put your stamp on the team.

"I would like to do that one day with Somerset and I feel I have learned enough over my career to make a success of the job."

Director of cricket Brian Rose said: "There are several reasons for appointing Marcus and the most important is continuity. He will work well with Justin next season and has been identified as someone capable of taking over the captaincy at a future date.

"Marcus indicated to me that he was ready to shoulder extra responsibility and Andy Caddick understands fully our reasons for making the change," he added. "Caddy wasn't able to play as much as he would have liked as vice-captain this year and his focus is fully on being fit to bowl more overs next season."