Graham Ford made a quiet exit from Kent last week but cricket committee chairman Graham Johnson insists his involvement with the county will continue.

The 48-year-old South African headed home during Kent’s final County Championship match of the season against Gloucestershire at Bristol to take up his winter coaching duties with Natal Dolphins in his native Durban.

Mr Johnson said: "Graham will still be involved with Kent as a cricket consultant. He went home due to family reasons but hopefully depending on his commitments, we will see him back at Canterbury at some stage next summer.

"He is very unassuming and never seeks publicity but has done an immense job for Kent cricket.

"He always stands up for what he believes in, is no pushover and has set standards for the players as they continue working with Paul Farbrace, Simon Willis and Phil Relf."

Meanwhile, Willis paid Ford a glowing tribute adding: "He has been a massive support to me as a young coach, a mentor, and friend. Hopefully that will continue for life because I fully respect his thoughts on the game.

"He won’t be here day-to-day in the future but we hope to send players out to South Africa to work with him."