Paul Grayson has been named as the new head coach of Yorkshire Diamonds on a three-year deal.

Grayson, 45, spent six seasons as a player at Headingley between 1990 and 1995, before moving south to Essex where he was head coach for eight years until his departure in 2015.

He takes over as Diamonds boss from Richard Pyrah, who is moving across to the men's squad to work as assistant to the new Yorkshire head coach Andrew Gale.

Grayson will combine his new role in the Kia Super League with his current post at Durham University MCCU.

"I am delighted to be joining as head coach for the Yorkshire Diamonds," said Grayson. "The opportunity to work with an elite female team is really exciting for me and a role which gives me a fantastic opportunity to use my first-class coaching experience.

"I am looking forward to meeting up with players and the Diamonds support staff very soon and preparing for Super League competition."

Jane Hildreth, Yorkshire Diamonds General Manager added: "I am thrilled that we have been able to recruit Paul as Yorkshire Diamonds head coach.

"Paul has a wealth of experience in the game having had a successful coaching career with Essex County Cricket Club and Durham University MCCU. Paul will take the Yorkshire Diamonds forward and build a team who will be challenging for the title in 2017.

"We are all excited to be working with Paul and look forward to welcoming him back to Headingley"