Graham Ford says he plans to meet Kent bosses for talks about returning as director of cricket next year.

The 48-year-old South African’s present contract runs out at the end of this season but both parties say it’s too early to predict what the outcome will be.

Ford (pictured) said: "I have had brief discussions with Graham Johnson (Cricket Chairman) about the situation but need to sit down with the hierarchy and discuss things further."

Club chairman George Kennedy added: "It’s an ongoing situation and happening on a day-to-day basis but Graham is committed to Kent this season and it’s far too early to know what will happen next year."

Ford was announced as the head coach of Nashua Dolphins in Durban last week but they made no reference to his involvement with Kent.

Meanwhile, the Kent players will be back in the nets tomorrow (Friday) preparing for next week’s Tunbridge Wells Festival Week which begins with a LV County Championship match against Essex, beginning on Tuesday at The Nevill Ground.

It’s the fourth meeting between the two sides already this season, after Kent’s spectacular 192-run victory at Chelmsford in April – a world record margin for a team following on – and two Twenty20 contests earlier this month.

The county will be hoping for good weather at The Nevill, one of the most picturesque out-grounds on the county circuit.