Rob Ferley played for Kent in two spells

Rob Ferley has been named the new head coach of Tunbridge Wells Cricket Club.

The former Kent and Nottinghamshire spinner, who turns 30 on Saturday, joins Tunbridge Wells with a brief to focus on coaching the first team

However, his duties will be more comprehensive, including providing support to the youth development section.

Wells chairman Stephen Green feels Ferley’s arrival at The Nevill is a major coup for the club.

“We are delighted to welcome Rob,” he said.

“He will bring invaluable experience to us and we are excited about the plans he has outlined. With our superb outdoor nets and Rob’s skills we are able to offer a top quality training regime and facilities and we hope to be able to attract new players of all abilities to the club in 2012.”

Ferley made his Kent debut in 2003 and rejoined the county in 2009 after a spell with Nottinghamshire.

Overall he made 34 first-class appearances before he was released at the end of 2010.

“It’s a great time to be joining the club,” he said.

“It has a dedicated group of senior players mixed with some of the best young talent in the county. I look forward to giving them an extra opportunity to reach their potential as individuals and as a club.”

The first team finished last summer seventh out of 10 in the Kent Cricket League’s top flight, some 77 points behind champions Hartley.

Photo by ADY KERRY