Nixon takes up role with Leicester

Paul Nixon's chirps, once so familiar to opposition batsmen, are about to become a feature of the Leicestershire back office. The former wicketkeeper, a self-confessed hyperactive type whose talkative tendencies are reflected in his nickname of "Badger", is to join the county's commercial team and become a club ambassador.

Nixon retired at the end of the 2011 season after helping Leicestershire win their third T20 title. He initially turned down the opportunity to become the club's batting coach to persue opportunities with Pune Warriors in the IPL. A role did not materialise and Nixon will now return to the club where he played for 20 years.

He made his Leicestershire debut in 1989, scored over 12,000 first-class runs and was part of the championship-winning sides of 1996 and 1998. He had a brief spell with Kent before returning to Grace Road, where he won three T20 Cups, in 2004, 2006 and 2011 - last year's final against Somerset at Edgbaston his swansong.

Nixon will hope to furthur contribute to Leicestershire's financial turnaround. After recording a loss of more than £400,000 in 2011, the county declared a profit of just under £300,000 for the year ended September 2011.

"I am delighted to be offered the opportunity to join the commercial team," Nixon said. "I will do my utmost to take Leicestershire forward."

Mike Siddall, Leicestershire's chief executive, said: "Paul will work in a part-time capacity to fit in with his other commitments and I am delighted to welcome him into this very important and innovative role for the club. I am really pleased that Paul is continuing his long association with the club."