Somerset have appointed Dave Houghton and Jason Kerr as their new First XI 'Assistant and Batting Coach' and 'Assistant and Bowling Coach' respectively.

These appointments follow a cricket review that has been undertaken by the Club over the past few weeks as a result of which various new posts and structural changes have been implemented.

Dave Houghton joins Somerset with an impeccable coaching track record having coached at various levels as well as representing Zimbabwe as both a captain and very capable batsman.

He is an experienced campaigner and will offer much to the Club as a whole. Jason Kerr, the previous Director of the Academy and Second XI Coach at Somerset, has been promoted into this new role, and having had first-hand experience as a bowler himself and a real knowledge of the system and the players, is well placed to take on this post. Both Dave Houghton and Jason Kerr will work closely with, and alongside the Director of Cricket Dave Nosworthy, who as part of the restructure will continue his various roles as Director of Cricket - but will also now assume full day to day responsibility for the First XI environment and its performances.

Dave Nosworthy said: We are really excited to have someone of Dave Houghtons stature and credibility on board and know that he will have a lot to offer us going forward. He is a good man with an excellent work ethic and I am really looking forward to having his expertise around. "The appointment of Jason Kerr from within our own structures is also really exciting as he has the respect of the players and will no doubt also bring his vast knowledge and expertise into the First XI environment.

I look forward to working closely with Dave and Jason and together taking this team forward. Dave Houghton said: "The opportunity to work at a club like Somerset, who have the real passion and desire to achieve - comes round just once in a lifetime and I thus cant wait to get started. I look forward to contributing in any way I can to the continued success of this club, and look forward to working with quality people and players.

Jason Kerr said: I'm incredibly excited about my new role at Somerset and to have the opportunity to be working with such a talented group of players day in day out. I look forward to helping the team towards achieving success - and as such see it as a great challenge.

As part of the restructuring the Club has also appointed Andy Hurry as it's new Director of High Performance, a post which will oversee the entire pathway of talented cricketers through and into the First XI environment. This role encompasses all High Performance aspects and includes managing, coaching, and developing emerging talent in the Academy and 2nd XI as well as strengthening the relationship with Minor Counties, Universities, Clubs, and Schools.

Andy Hurry and the Director of Cricket Dave Nosworthy, will continue to work closely together to structure and to guide the Club towards its objectives and goals. Dave Nosworthy said: Andy has done a superb job over the years with the First XI and deserves much credit for their success. The time is now ideally suited for him to offer his outstanding knowledge and experience to develop the best Talent & Development Programme in the country. This will see us invest not just in cricketing expertise but developing the character and leadership skills required of top class cricketers.

It is a really exciting challenge and I have no doubt that he will excel in this crucial role which is so fundamental to the Club's future success. Andy Hurry said: "I have relished my eight season tenure as Head Coach and the relationships that have been built both on and off the field. I've been very fortunate to have been a small part of a very competitive phase of the Club's history.

I am now however looking forward to embracing relationships with our valued partners across the Minor Counties and excited about being part of developing the next wave of regional talent. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the players, the staff and the Board - for their much valued relationships and for their support over the past years, and know that these will be maintained going forward in my new role."

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