DORSET have appointed former Essex skipper Paul Prichard as their new coach, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

Prichard replaces Alan Willows who has taken up a coaching position in South Africa.

The 50-year-old succeeded Graham Gooch as captain of Essex in 1994 and scored more than 24,000 runs – including 38 centuries – during a career spanning 20 years.

He won the Gold Award as the county lifted the Benson & Hedges Cup in 1998 and was an integral part of the successful Essex team which scooped four County Championships.

Prichard also represented England A during a tour to Australia in 1992 and was added to the England World Cup squad as a specialist fielder.

After resigning the Essex captaincy and retiring from the first class game in 2001, Prichard went on to play for Berkshire in the Minor Counties Championship.

Working closely with Dorset skipper Chris Park, he will be tasked with reviving the county’s fortunes following several barren seasons under Willows.

Dorset spokesperson Sean Walbridge confirmed the appointment and said: “It is a real coup and a statement of intent.

“We are really looking forward to working with Paul. He has a lot to offer and we can’t wait to get started.”