Warwickshire appoint Troughton, wait on Giles

Warwickshire have appointed Jim Troughton in a newly-created role of first team coach - but they are still waiting on the future of Ashley Giles.

Troughton, who led Warwickshire to the County Championship title as captain in 2012, was previously assistant coach and has been associated with the club since he was 11. He will oversee all first team issues and work with the club's existing coaches Alan Richardson (bowling) and Tony Frost (batting and second team). He is well thought of by the players.

While Warwickshire still hope to appoint Giles as their new director of cricket - he is very much their first choice - Lancashire remain reluctant to release him from the final year of his contract. Giles is currently contracted to Lancashire until the end of 2017, with the club insisting they had a verbal agreement for a longer deal. Conversations between the clubs continue.

It was originally hoped by Warwickshire that Giles would be party to the appointment of the new first team coach but, with players now back in training, the club felt it was necessary to provide some stability.

Injury forced Troughton to retire from playing prematurely in 2014, and he has since worked as assistant coach and recently completed his ECB Level 4 coaching qualification.

"Jim is widely recognised as one of the finest leaders in the club's history and the team made outstanding progress during his time as captain," Neil Snowball, the Warwickshire CEO, said. "He has been a Bear since the age of 11 and so understands the unique culture of the club and has worked closely with our captain Ian Bell for many years as a player and coach. We are very confident that they will form a strong partnership to take the team forward.

"Jim has continued to demonstrate his leadership qualities since moving into coaching and, in accepting this new role, he will take control of all matters relating to the senior men's squad including preparations for the new season and our pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This is a key appointment for the club that has been made both with a focus on the 2017 season but also with an eye to the future and we look forward to Jim working closely with our new director of cricket once he has been appointed."