FORMER Dorset captain Chris Park revealed he had been earmarked for a coaching role with the county.

The wicketkeeper-batsman, who this week announced his retirement from Minor Counties cricket, is poised to take charge of the Dorset Leopards development squad.

He told the Daily Echo: “I have already been approached to coach and lead the development side, which is a nice project for me.

“It just makes sense that a familiar face is in and around that development side to start the pathway, with the young players hopefully going through to the first team.

“It’s something I will pride myself on. It will be a case of making trialists and local players feel welcome and is something I am looking forward to.”

Park was part of the Dorset team which won the 2010 Minor Counties Championship after beating Lincolnshire by 135 runs at Dean Park.

He skippered Dorset for four seasons after succeeding all-rounder Tom Hicks in the role in 2014.

Formerly on the books at Northamptonshire, the 35-year-old scored 2,431 Championship runs for Dorset and racked up 14 half-centuries.

Park led Bournemouth to the Southern League Division One title this season and is set to retain the captaincy for his club side next season.