Surrey appoint Butcher as coach

Butcher has been coach of Surrey 2nd XI since 1998

Surrey have appointed Alan Butcher as county coach, immediately replacing Steve Rixon, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Butcher, father of Surrey captain Mark, has been the coach of the 2nd XI since 1998, helping the development of stars like Scott Newman and Rikki Clarke.

"Alan is a Surrey man and the ideal candidate to take us forward," said chairman of cricket Micky Stewart.

Surrey failed to win any silverware during Rixon's two-year reign.

And the club is now rebuilding, after losing several of the stars who won three County Championship titles between 1999 and 2002.

"This has been a difficult season for the club," Stewart acknowledged.

"A strong, knowledgeable man who is dedicated to cricket in Surrey will be in charge during what will inevitably be a period of transition for the club in the immediate future."