Sam Northeast says he’s looking forward to the challenge of vice-captaincy in what he says could be ‘a defining period’ for the club.

The 24-year-old Ashford-born opener - who reached 4,000 First Class runs in the final game of the season - said being named as Rob Key’s deputy: “Is an honour.”

He added: “It’s quite a long-winded process but I spoke to Keysey and (chairman of cricket) Graham Johnson. Keysey and I had lunch in London to see how things would work. It was a pretty simple decision to be honest.

“I’m excited and looking forward to the challenge of really taking Kent forward. That’s the main goal.”

Northeast, who grew up in Walmer, said: “Coming from Kent obviously makes it that much sweeter. It’s a status but I wouldn’t want to be one of those guys who is a vice-captain but then someone you never see again.

“You want to leave something. This period of time is kind of a defining moment and hopefully we can do something.”

Northeast revealed he did not know whether he will be given responsibilities for limited overs cricket, adding: “I think the whole thing will take shape as the season unravels. We’re yet to sit down and plan for the future and really discuss how we move forward.

“I did some schoolboy captaincy and I’ve had the odd game against South Africa and New Zealand.

"It’s always been good fun. It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do to see if I was up to the challenge - hopefully this will give me a pretty good indication.”