Saturday 23 July 2016 11:07, UK
Head coach Dale Benkenstein has left Hampshire with immediate effect due to family reasons, the club have announced.
The 42-year-old has been in charge at the club for two-and-a-half seasons, leading Hampshire to two NatWest T20 Blast Finals Days and promotion into Division One in 2014.
Benkenstein's departure has been mutually agreed by all parties, with the former South African cricketer revealing he wants to spend time with his family after an extended period away from home.
"I have loved every minute of my time at Hampshire," Benkenstein told the club website.
"I'd like to thank everyone at the Club, from the players to the coaching and office staff and of course the supporters, for making me feel so welcome.
"It is with genuine regret that I leave at this time but the extended periods of separation from my family responsibilities in South Africa have become increasingly more difficult for me and my wife and they need to be my priority at this time.
"I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and beyond and I would like to place on record, my sincere thanks to Giles White and the Management team for the honourable way in which they have handled this situation."
Hampshire director of cricket Giles White extended the club's thanks to Benkenstein, with his responsibilities due to be handed off to the rest of the coaching team for the foreseeable future.
"We are naturally disappointed to be losing Dale at this stage of the season," said White.
"However, we have been aware of the difficulties he has encountered and understand his decision to step down.
"He has worked tirelessly over the last two and a half seasons and we would like to thank him for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future."
