KENT’S academy director Simon Willis is taking charge of the county’s first team as part of a new coaching structure unveiled by the club today.

Willis will be joined by former Kent and Middlesex wicketkeeper Paul Farbrace and youth director Chris Stone in an all-Kent coaching team for 2004.

The new line-up represents a change in emphasis for the club from the Australian coaches to home-grown talent.

Farbrace will take over Willis' role as academy director from January 1, while Willis will switch to a new role as coaching co-ordinator, which also gives him responsibility for the club’s coaching programmes in addition to the first team. Stone will continue in his role as youth director.

Kent’s chairman of cricket Mike Denness said that following Ian Brayshaw's departure in September they had been considering the best coaching structure for the club.

He said: “We have settled on an all-Kent team having had a run of successful Australian coaches in recent years.

“The structure we have evolved is new. Simon, Paul and Chris will all be involved in the coaching of our top players, our academy youngsters and our youth teams at different times during the year.

“This way we believe we can get the very best out of our players whilst, at the same time, developing the very best talent from within.”

The coaching team will be supported by physiotherapists Martyn Sigley and Nimmo Reid, while additional specialist coaches will be brought in as required.

Kent captain David Fulton said he was excited about working with three home-grown coaches who he believes have the county in their blood.

“We have already begun discussing our prospects for next season and the talent we have available,” he said.

“It will be invaluable to have all three coaches accessible to us throughout the entire year and I know that the players are going to respond positively to this innovative initiative.”

Farbrace will be joining Kent from the England and Wales Cricket Board where he was national coach for England under-19s. The 36-year-old played for Kent from 1986 to 1989.