Devon Cricket Board - Exeter sign Alfonso Thomas as player-coach

Exeter sign Alfonso Thomas as player-coach

Exeter's new £800,000 pavilion, which was completed during the winter

EXETER have signalled that they mean business for the Premier season ahead by signing former Somerset fast bowler Alfonso Thomas as their player-coach.

The city side finished seventh out of 10 last season – a repeat of where they finished in 2014 and 2013, which was their first summer back in the top flight following relegation in 2010.

Exeter appear to have everything in place to challenge for the very top after completing a near £1million facelift on the County Ground.

Over the last 18 months a new pavilion has gone up, new practice facilities laid and ground equipment upgraded.

All Exeter need now is a team to match their surroundings and the hope is Thomas (pictured) can be the catalyst.

Thomas, who was 39 last month, retired from First Class cricket at the end of the 2015 season.

Cape Town-born but a long-time resident in the United Kingdom, Thomas is the fourth-highest T20 wicket taker of all time. He has played 225 games and taken 263 wickets.

His made his First Class debut in 1998 for Western Province and clocked up 164 games before his final appearance for Somerset against Warwickshire last September. He had eight years on the staff at Taunton.

In the 50-over format of the game Thomas has captured 210 wickets in 169 games.

Thomas will lead senior and junior coaching at the Exeter as part of his dual role.

Exeter will also provide a base for him to establish his coaching academy, linking in to local schools and clubs.

Thomas said his first impression of Exeter was of a club aiming to go places.

“I have already been impressed by the ambition of the club and the facilities it has,” said Thomas.

“I can’t imagine not playing cricket and the chance of playing a bit and coaching a lot really appeals to me.

“I am looking forward to playing some good cricket and helping other players develop their game.”

Exeter have strong links with Somerset already as Ben Green, Tom Lammonby and Ollie Sale are part of the development squads at Taunton. Staffer Alex Barrow assisted Exeter from time to time last season when not on 1^st XI duty.

Skipper Miles Lenygon, about to embark on his third season at the Exeter helm, said Thomas can be integral in the continued development of young talent.

“This is a fantastic signing for us in so many ways,” said Lenygon.

“For many years, Exeter have been committed to bringing young players on.

“The likes of Ben Green and Tom Lammonby are good evidence of that, having played nearly all their cricket at the club.

“Alfonso will not only help us improve young cricketers, such as George Greenway (Deaf England) but will also add real playing strength to our first team.”

Exeter see Thomas as part of a long-term investment in development and feel he has the right attitude as well as the aptitude for the post.

Julian Smith, former 1^st XI captain and recently elected chairman at Exeter CC, said “This opportunity was too good to miss.

“Having met Alfonso it very clear that, as player-coach, he can offer a huge amount to the club and all its players.

“At the same time, the club can provide him with a good base to work from and great contacts across Exeter and Devon.

“What really sealed the deal was Alfonso’s desire to think beyond one season. What he wants to achieve over the next few years has real synergy with the club’s ambitions.”

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