Surrey play down Adams speculation

Surrey have poured water on speculation that Chris Adams, the former Sussex captain, is set to join the club on a three-year contract as their cricket manager.

"Further to recent media reports regarding the appointment of a new Surrey cricket manager, the club at this stage are only in a position to confirm that the process is still ongoing," a statement issued on Wednesday said. "To find the right person for the job, a thorough recruitment process was undertaken and discussions have taken place with a number of potential candidates."

Adams' move was on the cards ever since Gus MacKay quit as Sussex's chief executive at the end of September to take up the post of Surrey's managing director. Adams was shortlisted for the vacancy at Hove but lost out to David Brooks.

Should he end up at The Oval, he will have his work cut out. The county were relegated from the Championship top flight in 2008 after a dismal summer and coach Alan Butcher left soon after. Between them, MacKay and Adams are likely to have to make some tough calls over the playing staff ahead of the start of the 2009 season.

Adams has made no secret of his desire to move into management, and had been linked with posts at several counties. He captained Sussex for 11 years and led them to their first three Championship titles before standing down as captain at the end of last season.

"I have hugely split feelings," Adams, who played 10 games for England, was quoted as saying in the Guardian. "Leaving the county has been incredibly difficult."