SOMERSET’S assistant and Second XI coach Greg Kennis is set to leave the county club.

Greg joined the club in 1998 from Surrey and featured for the Somerset First XI on eight occasions with the highlight being his 175 against New Zealand in 1999.

From 2006 until 2012 he worked within the Somerset Player Pathway and coached players on the Emerging Player Programme, the senior age groups and the Academy before taking up the role of head coach at Somerset Cricket Board.

He rejoined the County Club in 2018 as an assistant coach, overseeing Somerset’s Second XI, culminating in the team’s T20 Cup success at Wormsley last summer.

Regarding his decision, Greg said: “Following the birth of my son, my family relocated to Hampshire last summer, but I continued in my role with Somerset. I was finding I was spending four or five days a week away and I feel the time has come to put my family first.

“The club have been incredibly supportive and it’s with a heavy heart that I’ve made the decision to move.

“I’ve been involved with Somerset for 18 years and can honestly say that every day I’ve come into the environment it’s never felt like a job. Every day has been a highlight for me.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been able to work with some wonderful people, and Jason Kerr and Andy Hurry deserve special mention. Very few people will ever truly appreciate the work they both do behind the scenes. It’s also been a huge privilege to have been involved with the development of some very fine players who have gone on to have fabulous careers in the game.

“It’s been a pleasure to have been a part of this great club and to see players progress as cricketers and people on a daily basis. It’s been a very special time and one that I will always cherish extremely fondly.”

Somerset men’s head coach Jason Kerr said. “Greg has made an invaluable contribution over the past two decades, leaving a profound and lasting impact on countless players.

“His influence extends across the Pathway and professional staff, shaping not only their skills but also their character and approach to the game. Often working behind the scenes, Greg’s dedication and expertise have been instrumental in developing talent.

“Personally, I’d like to say a huge thanks for his support as a friend and colleague over the years.”

Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry said: “Greg has been crucial to the achievements of this club for almost two decades.

“He has played an integral role in developing aspiring players and supporting their transition through the Second XI and then into the competitive First XI environment. The likes of Tom Abell and Will Smeed among others would certainly be the first to acknowledge the part Greg has played in their cricketing journey.

“Greg has come to embody everything that this club stands for. As well as being a key component of our coaching staff, he is incredibly well respected by his peers and the playing staff.

“We wish him every success in everything he seeks to achieve in the future, and on behalf of all the players and staff we would like to thank him for his support and commitment over the years.“

“Men’s assistant & fielding coach Paul Tweddle will oversee the Somerset Second XI.”