Rixon named Surrey coach

Rixon is currently in charge of state side New South Wales

Surrey have appointed Australian Steve Rixon as their new cricket manager on a two-year contract.

The former New Zealand coach will take over at The Oval at the start of April, replacing Keith Medlycott.

In two spells in charge, Rixon has led New South Wales to five first-class titles and another five one-day crowns.

"Working for what I see as the premier county, I've been very impressed with what I've seen of Surrey so far," said the 49-year-old.

I am convinced that we have found the right man to lead the team into a new era Paul Sheldon Surrey chief executive

Rixon played 13 Tests as a wicket-keeper for Australia between 1977 and 1985.

"It's clearly a squad with high quality players who I am looking forward to working with," he added.

"Having been offered roles in English cricket before, I feel this is the opportunity and challenge that really excites me the most."

Rixon was believed to be the top choice in a five-man shortlist that also included assistant coach Alan Butcher and former Pakistan boss Richard Pybus.

Surrey chief executive Paul Sheldon thinks Rixon is the perfect man for the job.

"He's managed an international side and a very, very strong state side with a mix of similar quality players," Sheldon told BBC London 94.9.

"He's dealt with all those tricky situations of team selection, dropping quality players and how you handle them. He's also got a very focused and disciplined attitude towards man management.

"He's very direct, he's very fair and the most important thing is that he's proved he can do it."

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