Nosworthy to leave Somerset

Somerset have announced that Dave Nosworthy is to leave his position as director of cricket at the end of the season, after less than two years in the job.

Nosworthy was appointed in late 2012 as the successor to Brian Rose but the county were involved in a struggle against relegation for most of his first season, missed out on T20 Finals Day for the first time in five years and lost in the last four of the Yorkshire Bank 40.

Although they topped Division One at the midway point this year, defeat against Warwickshire earlier this month effectively ended their hopes of a first title.

Perhaps more damaging to Nosworthy's case was the failure to get past the group stage in either the NatWest Blast or Royal London Cup. Under Rose, Somerset were four-times T20 finalists, winning the competition in 2005, twice runners-up in the 40-over cup and twice finished second in the Championship.

"Both the club and Dave have mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of Somerset County Cricket Club to part company at the end of this season," Guy Lavender, Somerset's chief executive, said. "Dave will leave with our thanks for all he has done and our best wishes for the future.

"We still have a critical part of the season remaining with Dave in charge and all of our immediate efforts are focused on beating Northamptonshire in our County Championship match which commences on Sunday. The process of recruiting Dave's successor is underway and an announcement will be made in due course".

Ahead of the 2014 season, Nosworthy oversaw changes to the club's coaching structure, with former Zimbabwe captain Dave Houghton appointed to work with Somerset's batsmen and Jason Kerr put in charge of the bowlers. Andy Hurry, Somerset's head coach under Rose, moved into a new position as high performance director.

Nosworthy, 46, is to return with his family to South Africa, where he was previously coach of the Lions franchise. He has also worked with Titans and in New Zealand with Canterbury, as well as South Africa A and South Africa Under-19s.

"I believe the time is now right for me to return home with my family for a number of personal and business reasons and for me to redirect my own personal energies and ambitions," Nosworthy said. "With me being the type of character to always put the club and the team first, I believe I have done as much as I can and that the time is now right to step aside."