Nic Pothas, the former Hampshire wicketkeeper, has been appointed the new director of cricket of Guernsey. He beat off candidates from four countries to become the island's first director of cricket and the first full-time cricket-specific coach.
It will be the first major role for Pothas, 39, since being released by Hampshire at the end of the 2011 season. He joined the club in 2002 having begun his career with Transvaal. He scored 11, 438 first-class runs at 40.85.
He finished his career with the highest average of any wicketkeeper for Hampshire, for whom he scored 17 centuries for Hampshire.
Around 40 applications were received from across the UK, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand with Johannesburg-born Pothas being offered the role that will begin with World Cricket League Division Five in Singapore in February.
"Nic really impressed us," Mark Latter, chief executive of the Guernsey Cricket Board said. "He clearly has the desire and energy to make a real impact in the island. He brings drive and a steely determination that will serve us all well.
"It is fair to say that some momentum has been lost recently. The next few years will bring much hard work for all involved but also some exciting times, and I can't wait to get started on this next part of our journey. We'll set some tough targets but I have a feeling Nic can make these happen."
Pothas has previous experience of island cricket having played for Cenkos Centurions in Guernsey's Twenty20 Premier League. "Being involved in the GPL allowed me to meet some fantastic people with infectious love for Guernsey cricket and the island," Pothas said. "I cannot wait to become a part of that too.
"I am looking forward to the opportunity of joining such an ambitious organisation; using my experience, knowledge and energy to take Guernsey Cricket through the next phase of their development."