Phil Relf is telling Kent’s young talent: "Don’t stand still because somebody out there wants your place."

Relf (pictured), 40, is gearing up for his role as assistant first-team coach and cricket project manager in a new set-up.

Relf’s three years as academy manager have seen the emergence of youngsters James Goodman, Daniel Bell-Drummond and Chris Piesley.

He said: "The important thing for them now is to keep getting better and working hard and not stand still now they have got a professional contract. Somebody else will catch them up, or look to take their place.

"We have had a good mix during the indoor sessions, with the experienced guys like Rob Key, Geraint Jones, Simon Cook, and, this week, Darren Stevens, really helping the younger players, talking about different game plans."

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High performance manager Simon Willis is back in charge of the academy with a new intake, including three 14-year-olds who were part of a strong under-13 county side last season.

They are wicketkeeper Ryan Davies, from Sandwich, and all-rounders Piers Richardson, from Whitstable, and Michael Waller, from Bidborough.

Relf (pictured) said: "We have taken a slightly different approach.

"It’s been three or four years since we were involving them so young but we wanted to reward them for decent seasons. They will be in three times a week but the key is not to overdo it because, potentially if things go well, they could be in the academy for four or five years."