KENT Cricket Board have announced the appointment of former Army officer Jamie Clifford as Director of Cricket Development in succession to Bill Dover.

Clifford will take up the post next month after serving his notice as marketing manager for Wisden Online. A former short service commission officer for the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, he has also worked for travel firm World Travel Expeditions.

"My deep love of cricket was developed and nurtured in Kent, so I am delighted to have been offered this fantastic opportunity to contribute to the future of cricket in the county I have supported all my life," said the 26-year-old ex-pupil from St Lawrence College in Ramsgate.

Commenting on the appointment, board chairman and coach Chris Swadkin said: "We are sure Jamie will prove energetic and innovative in his approach. There is a great deal to be done within the recreational game in Kent.

"The Board has a clear plan and much looks forward to working with Jamie and his team to help raise the profile of the game of cricket throughout the county."

Mr Dover, himself a former army officer, retired from the post in May.