GRAHAM FORD’S initial two-year contract as Kent’s director of cricket expires at the end of the season but steady progress on and off the field leaves the former South African coach feeling optimistic over brokering a deal for an extended stay.

The 46-year-old has enjoyed his first two summers at St Lawrence and believes his role is far from finished. Ford would relish the chance of seeing the job through and finally turn a promising Kent team into a winning one.

He said: "If you look back at things realistically you always knew it was going to take something very special for us to accomplish a trophy win with the squad we have, particularly when you factor in the injuries we’ve had, the late arrival of Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp soon followed by their early departure.

"It was always going to be a huge ask to win something after that, but I’m more than happy with the way the squad have played, with what they’ve achieved and the way they’ve responded to some tough situations.

"I’d like to think that is all part of going forward and setting ourselves up for something really special in the seasons to come.

"I am really enjoying working with the players and coaching staff at Kent, they have been fantastic and we have enjoyed a lot of good times and solid performances together. I think we have the potential to have plenty more good times."