Paul Farbrace insists that continuing to unearth their own talent must be the way forward for Kent.

His comments follow a coaching restructure that sees academy director Phil Relf assuming a new role as assistant first team coach and analyst, with Simon Willis in charge of the academy and second X1.

It follows a spell of uncertainty in the coaching department late last year and team director Farbrace (pictured) admitted: "We were under pressure before Christmas with the threat of redundancy and had to work hard to convince people that we need three coaches.

"In fact, I am adamant that we need a fourth in the summer."

He added: "I think the same person running the academy and second team is crucial and a good link, while being involved day-to-day in first team cricket will enhance Phil’s learning and coaching.

"He is competent, knowledgeable and well organised and all three of us are desperate and passionate for Kent be successful.

"Rob Key is another and chief executive Jamie Clifford also want to see the county going forward.

"We haven’t got big budgets to work with and won’t have for a few years but we do have some exciting young boys who are going to take time to develop."

"None of us are here for our egos or to earn millions, we are here because we enjoy working for Kent and have got some some exciting young talent.

"We have produced as many if not more under-19 international cricketers than any other county over the last few years, and are proud of that achievement and the ECB hold us up as one of the leading academies."