Matt Walker will step down as Kent’s head coach at the end of this season.

The 50-year-old has been in the role for eight years but will leave following a disappointing season which will almost certainly end with relegation from Division 1 of the County Championship.

Kent also struggled in the T20 Blast, finishing bottom of the South Group with 10 defeats in 14 games.

“It's been an incredible honour to be the head coach of my home county for eight years,” said Walker.

“Now is the time for new ideas and new personnel to come in and make their own mark, something that I have enjoyed doing in my time here.

“The promotion to Division 1 and trophy successes have been fantastic to be a part of but most of all working with the players and the coaches here has always been the most rewarding.

“I'm now looking forward to watching Kent as a fan again and beginning a new challenge, whatever that might be.

“There have of course been many highs we've shared collectively as well as some low points - that's sport, that's why we all love it.

“Winning the Vitality Blast in 2021 will always be up there for me as one of the best days of coaching this great club.

“The players brought us that success on the field but the knock-on effect that had for everyone, including the staff and of course our loyal members and supporters, was a feeling that people rarely experience.

“I'd like to thank everyone involved with Kent Cricket for making this one of the best jobs in the world, and I wish the club, and everyone connected to it, the very best for the future.”

Gravesend-born Walker, who spent nearly his entire playing career with the county, helped Kent win promotion to Division 1 of the County Championship in 2018. The 2021 Vitality Blast success against Somerset in the final was Kent’s first trophy in 14 years while they also reached the final of the One Day Cup in 2018.

Kent director of cricket Simon Cook said: “Matt has been an outstanding servant to the club not only as a player but as a coach, too.

“He is one of a handful of people to have won trophies as both a player and a coach, and his name will forever be associated with recent successes at Kent.

“On behalf of all of the coaches, players, and staff behind the scenes, I’d like to thank Matt for his extremely hard work and we all wish him the very best for the future.”

Kent, who sit bottom with just one win having lost their last six matches, are back in County Championship action from Monday at Canterbury when they host Hampshire from 10.30am.