KENT'S new coaching co-ordinator Simon Willis has revealed the county decided to revamp their coaching structure following feedback from players.

Willis, 29, who was in charge of the second team last season, also believes an all-Kent line-up was chosen because they would be more in tune with the supporters than someone from abroad.

The club announced last week they were ending their run of successful Australian coaches, following Ian Brayshaw's departure in September, and instead opting for a team of coaches from the county to lead them next season.

Willis said: "The men in charge have spoken to the players and the feeling was that they wanted a bit more hands-on coaching support.

"I really want to emphasise that this is a coaching team. We are bringing in Paul Farbrace and using Chris Stone, who was already with us, and the three of us are very much hands-on.

"I think the club has also looked at the overseas opportunities and they felt that this time they wanted to go with homegrown people who maybe have a little bit more passion and understanding of the expectations of the members and supporters."

Willis' new position will also see him in charge of the club's coaching programmes.

Ex-Kent player Farbrace, who has been working for the ECB as national coach for England Under 19's, takes over the academy with Stone continuing as youth director.

All three will be involved in the coaching of the club's top players, academy youngsters and youth teams at different times during the year, and Willis believes their qualities mean they will provide a good blend.

"I think it will be more in terms of our characters than actually the coaching we can offer," said Willis. "Our characters are very different and I think they will complement each other well.

"When you are going into the heat of battle, and you are planning, the three of us will work very closely. That will be a key element in the whole coaching team working."

Willis said: "Once we know where we are with our playing staff, we will probably look to go outside and bring a couple of new faces in. We will then look to plan accordingly for our pre-season preparations."

Willis, a former Kent wicketkeeper and second team captain in his playing days, admitted his involvement with the first team had come sooner in his career than he expected.

He said: "Moving up to work with the first team on a more regular basis is probably earlier than I would have imagined at this stage," he said. "But it is a welcome opportunity."