THE man who coached Herefordshire County Cricket Club to Minor Counties Knock-out Trophy success last season will not be continuing in his role.

Harshad Patel served 26 years for the club and became the first person to both captain and coach a side to Knock-out Trophy glory.

But the committee at Herefordshire CCC believe changes are needed to 'ensure a logical pathway continues right the way through the county's age-group sides and into the Herefordshire 2nd XI and Minor Counties side'.

Steve Williams will now look after the first team, while Steve Watkins has the task of working with the 2nd XI.

“We are grateful for and acknowledge the huge contribution that Harshad has made, as a player and a coach, to Herefordshire County Cricket Club over many years,” said Herefordshire CCC chairman Richard Prime.

“But, as we look to the future, our new coaches have both themselves played cricket at a high level and come up through the Herefordshire system as players before moving into administration and coaching. They understand fully the aspirations of the young players we wish to encourage and see as the future of the club.

“They are also ideally placed to assist in the stronger relationship that we must build with Herefordshire Cricket Ltd as the England and Wales Cricket Board begins to reassess the future of Minor Counties Cricket as a whole.”

However, former HCCC secretary Ken Sharpe does not agree with the decision.

“There is absolutely no reason whatsoever why HCCC should relieve him of his duties,” said Sharpe. “The chairman and committee have every right to act as they feel fit of course, but what they say about the logical pathway for cricketers in Herefordshire has nothing to do with Harshad and it could seriously weaken the Minor Counties team."