Stewart takes on Surrey coaching role

Alec Stewart, the former England captain, will return to Surrey after agreeing to join the club's cricket management team. Stewart, who retired from all forms of cricket six years ago, played 587 times for Surrey between 1981and 2003. His 133 Tests make the former 'keeper and opener England's most-capped player.

Stewart's new part-time role - he will continue his duties as ambassador for the club - will involve three key areas: coaching, mentoring and consultancy. Surrey had appointed Chris Adams to replace Alan Butcher as manager at the end of last season, while former England batsman Graham Thorpe was named batting coach.

In his coaching capacity, Stewart will work with batsmen and wicketkeepers at all levels in the club. He will also mentor Surrey's young players, besides acting as a consultant to key members of the club's cricket staff, including Adams and Gus Mackay, the managing director of cricket .

"I have been a Surrey man all my life and am relishing the opportunity to get involved in a cricketing role at the club," Stewart told the club's website. "We have some bright young talent on the staff and I hope I can help them secure success for both Surrey and England."

Adams said one of his goals had been to get Stewart to join his team. "I saw Alec do some coaching when I was Sussex last year and getting him involved in the first-team setup was one of my key goals when I started at Surrey," he said. "He is still a model professional and utterly exemplifies the excellence I want my players to aspire to.

"With true greats such as Graham Thorpe and Alec Stewart back in our dressing room, I am confident that we will see success return to Surrey in the coming years."