Steindl appointed Scotland coach

Peter Steindl, the former Scotland fast bowler, has been announced as the country's new coach, replacing Peter Drinnen who resigned in July.

"After working with the squad last season on an interim basis I am delighted to progress to work full-time in preparing the team towards the 2009 ICC Trophy," Steindl said. "We have the opportunity to build on some excellent performances last season and prepare for an exciting fixture list this season. We have 16 months to prepare the squad for a massive event and the work starts now."

Drinnen resigned after a run of disappointing results, and the team played on without a permanent coach for the remainder of the summer as Steindl and Andy Tennant shared the position in an unofficial capacity. Steindl's tenure starts in earnest on January 1 and will be assisted by Ireland's World Cup coach, Adrian Birrell, who has been appointed consultant through to the 2009 ICC Trophy. Tennant, meanwhile, will coach Scotland A.

"We believe our new structure is appropriate to our needs," Roddy Smith, Cricket Scotland's chief executive said. "As a group Peter, Adrian and Andy meet our desired needs in terms of qualifications, experience and knowledge of the Scottish system."