Ashley Giles has made a quick return to Warwickshire, just a month after retiring with a chronic hip complaint.
Ashes winner named as the Bears' new director of cricket
Ashley Giles has made a quick return to Warwickshire, just a month after retiring with a chronic hip complaint.
The former England spinner has been named as the Bears' new director of cricket, replacing Mark Greatbatch who left the club after they suffered a double relegation this season.
Giles, who has agreed a rolling 12-month deal, got the nod for the job ahead of former Warwickshire captain Dermot Reeve.
Chief executive Colin Povey told the club's official site: "We are fortunate that Ashley is available. He is a player with a long and illustrious career at Edgbaston and he has, of course, been a senior figure in the successful England set up over recent years.
"His knowledge of both the club and what it takes to perform at the highest levels make him an ideal candidate to take the squad forward.
Surprise
"His first task will be to assess our current cricket structures and personnel. During the off-season we expect to have to make some further changes. These will be announced in due course but I very much look forward to working with Ashley and wish him every success in his new role."
The appointment has come as a surprise for Giles, however the 34-year-old insists he will relish the challenge:
He said: "This is an unexpected but fantastic opportunity for me and I am honoured to have been approached for the position.
"Edgbaston is a special place to me and I have always been proud to be a Bear. I will relish the challenge of taking the Club forward. We need to make an honest and thorough assessment of where we are, and then put in place a long term plan to deliver a successful future.
"I obviously know many of the players and I am confident that with them and with the other resources that are available we can do just that."
