KENT have announced they intend to appoint a new Director of Cricket. The new man will have sole responsibility for coaching and playing affairs.

This will allow team captain David Fulton and the existing coaches, Simon Willis, Paul Farbrace and Chris Stone, to deliver performance.

Chairman of Cricket Graham Johnson said: "We have experienced a number of difficult circumstances in the 2004 season, and we are dertermined to learn from these.

"By putting a Director of Cricket in charge we believe we will get the best out of our existing coaching team, and at the same time, ensure we get the most out of our playing talent. I am happy that the background to these decisions, and others will be addressed at our Cricket Forum on Tuesday."

The county have also confirmed that Fulton has been re-appointed as captain for 2005.

Johnson added: "We are looking ahead to next season with great enthusiasm and we want to build on what we have achieved this year.

"We are actively in the market for both home grown and overseas player to strengthen the playing squad for next year, and all our contracted players have busy winter training programmes in place."