Andrew Griffiths appointed Somerset's pathway coaching lead

Griffiths previously worked as a performance analyst with the club before being appointed player pathway bowling coach in 2019

Somerset have appointed Andrew Griffiths as their new pathway coaching lead.

Formerly employed by Nottinghamshire, Griffiths arrived in Taunton in 2016 as a performance analyst before being appointed player pathway bowling coach in 2019.

Matt Drakeley, head of Somerset’s talent pathway, said: "It was insightful to see the level of interest and calibre of candidates for this vacancy and I’m extremely excited that Andrew Griffiths has taken on the pathway coaching lead role here at Somerset after demonstrating a very exciting vision to enhance our delivery.

"The forging of the pathway coaching lead role is an exciting progression to the existing pathway head coach role that will allow us to better support the development of players and coaches within the Somerset pathway.

"Andrew’s main responsibilities will be the design and delivery of pathway sessions and the development of Somerset pathway coaches. Alongside his additional responsibilities, Andrew will continue to lead on our pathway seam and spin bowling delivery to ensure that players still benefit from his knowledge in this area."

^{Tom Abell is one of the many players to come through the Somerset pathway [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

Griffiths added: "I’m really happy to have been given this great opportunity. I’ve been working in the pathway for over six years and in that time, I’ve developed a good understanding of our strengths, as well as the areas we can develop to keep progressing.

"It’s important that we look at the development of coaches as well as the development of players. For us to be able to have the impact and level of reach that we want across the region, we have to make sure we have enough high-quality coaches in place to be able to deliver the standards we set ourselves.

"The relationships that we have with our National County partners are crucial to everything that we are striving to achieve. We have evidenced that in the last few years with players from all across the South West breaking through into the first XI. I’m excited to continue to connect and collaborate with these pathways moving forward.

"As well as continuing to work closely with our most promising young bowlers, in this role I’ll be overseeing the design and delivery of pathway sessions within Somerset. We are determined to continue to deliver a programme that best develops our young talent."