Rose to stand down at Somerset

Brian Rose, Somerset's director of cricket, has agreed by mutual consent to leave the county at the end of the season. It brings to an end eight years at Taunton, a period in which he has revived the county's fortunes.

Rose, who remains Somerset's most successful captain having guided the county to five trophies between 1979 and 1983, took charge of the first team in 2004 and has overseen a transformation of the club from languishing in Division Two of the County Championship, into a very competitive unit that consistently challenges in all three competitions.

Rose led them to the Twenty20 title in 2005 and two years later, he side won Division Two of the County Championship. They progressed into perennial title-challengers, coming closest to a maiden Championship in 2010 when three wickets in the final session of the season for Nottinghamshire stole the crown away.

But since that 2005 T20 success Somerset have consistently failed to get across the line, losing three T20 finals in a row and last year's Clydesdale Bank 40 League final before this season's loss in the semi-final on T20 finals day - a defeat that convinced Rose it was time to move on: "I have come to the conclusion that a new and fresh approach is needed at first team level," he said in a statement. "I have had immense pride in overseeing the development of Somerset over the last eight seasons. Our progress in that time from the age groups through to the first team has been outstanding with teams competing at the highest levels across the board. Our cricket has been highly attractive to watch and is reflected by the fantastic support. I also take a lot of pride in the development of the talented young cricketers that are now representing England, England Lions and England U19's."

Players such as Jos Buttler and Craig Kieswetter have all flourished under Rose's stewardship and the county continues to produce a string of talent, with Alex Barrow, Craig and Adam Dibble three of the latest to have broken into the first team.

And it is his commitment to developing young players that Somerset chairman Andy Nash sees as Rose's greatest legacy. "Brian has also overseen substantial and lasting improvements in our age-groups, player's pathway and academy which has resulted in the development of abundant young talent. We are delighted that he has offered to provide ongoing advice next year which will allow us to draw on his immense knowledge and understanding of the game. This decision provides the club with the opportunity to take stock and ensure we are effectively positioned for the 2013 season."