Coach Rixon set to leave Surrey

Rixon is coming to the end of a two-year contract

Australian coach Steve Rixon is to leave Surrey at the end of the season.

Rixon could not agree on the length of a new contract after his initial two-year deal ran out but the departure was decided by mutual consent.

"I'd like to thank Steve for all of his hard work over the past two seasons and wish him all the best in the future," said chief executive Paul Sheldon.

Rixon added: "I have enjoyed my two years and hope I have begun to instil a new culture within the dressing room."

Rixon, a former coach of New Zealand and Australian state side New South Wales, has been unable to secure silverware so far at a county with high expectations.

Surrey won three County Championship titles from 1999-2002 but flirted with relegation for much of last year before a strong finish saw them finish third.

And an injury crisis, which has kept captain Mark Butcher out of action until this week, has seen them struggle again this season.

However, Rixon is likely to help cricket chairman Micky Stewart select a successor, with candidates including current players Martin Bicknell and Graham Thorpe, plus assistant coach Alan Butcher.

"I hope that whoever Surrey appoint as the next manager can continue to progress the side and further develop the talented young players at the club," he said.