Brian Rose to step down at Somerset

By Richard Latham

Brian Rose has decided by mutual agreement to step down as the Somerset’s director of cricket at the end of the season.

Rose, formerly the club’s most successful captain, was appointed to the role in 2004 and has led Somerset from the bottom of the County Championship second division to become one of the most competitive teams in the country in all forms of the game.

But the only trophy Somerset have won under him was the 2005 Twenty20 Cup and recent seasons have seen them earn the reputation of perennial runners-up.

Somerset chairman Andy Nash said: "Brian has uniquely served the club with great distinction as a player, captain and latterly as the director of cricket. He has also overseen substantial and lasting improvements in our age-groups and Academy, which have resulted in the development of abundant young talent, many of whom have achieved first team contracts and international honours.

"We are delighted that he has offered to provide ongoing advice next year, which will allow us to draw on his immense knowledge and understanding of the game.”

Rose said: "I have had immense pride in overseeing the development of Somersetcricket over the last eight seasons as director of cricket. Our progress in that time from the age groups through to the first team has been outstanding with teams competing at the highest levels across the board.

“The cricket played by our teams has been highly attractive to watch and is reflected by the fantastic support from members and supporters. I also take a lot of pride in the development of the talented young cricketers that are now representing England, England Lions and England U19's.”

Somerset were beaten semi-finalists in this year’s Friends Life t20 competition, an outcome that left Rose bitterly disappointed.

"After the result at the SWALEC stadium and another defeat on Finals Day, I have come to the conclusion that a new and fresh approach is needed at first team level,” he said.


Date: 04/09/2012 18:59:37 by Richard Latham
In: Today | Somerset |