Leicestershire CCC is delighted to announce the appointment of Alfonso Thomas as First Team Head Coach on a two-year contract.

Thomas will take permanent charge at Uptonsteel County Ground, while James Taylor will also step up his duties by assuming by the role of Assistant Coach.

The announcement follows a successful interim period for the two during the second half of the 2023 campaign, with the duo steering the Foxes to a first List A trophy in 38 years.

46-year-old Thomas joined Leicestershire as Assistant Coach/Lead Bowling Coach in March 2022, before taking over the reins on a temporary basis following Paul Nixon’s departure in June.

Alongside Taylor, he led the club to One Day Cup glory, as the Foxes defeated Hampshire in a final-ball thriller at Trent Bridge, while he took the side’s promotion push in the County Championship down to the final fixture of the summer.

Thomas possesses a wealth of coaching experience after developing his repertoire with high-profile stints at Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and the West Indies before his arrival in the East Midlands.

Discussing his appointment, the South African said: “It wasn’t something that was planned, but after conversations with people close to me and seeing what we started to build last season I thought it’d be a real shame if I didn’t give it a go."

“James and I complemented each other really well. We communicated strongly and created an environment for the guys to be the best version of themselves, but also one where they were willing to do it together."

“I’m very excited by the squad we’ve assembled. We have an opportunity for this club to play a brand of cricket that’s exciting, one which the people of Leicester can be proud of and that will see people queuing up to watch us play.”

Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Alfonso has shown his capabilities as a Head Coach, and turned a tough time for the club into a successful summer."

“Along with James and the backroom team, he got the changing room together and organised a high-performance culture. Alfonso and James have built a solid partnership and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve together with an exciting group of players.”

The Club will confirm the completion of its First Team coaching structure in the coming weeks.