CHRIS Silverwood is the new head coach of Essex County Cricket Club.

Silverwood led Essex to third place in division two of the County Championship last season, after taking over from Paul Grayson with the team in sixth place at the end of August.

The assistant head coach’s appointment to the top role was announced on Thursday.

Silverwood said: “I am absolutely over the moon. I made my intentions clear at the end of the summer, and I am delighted to get the opportunity to do the job.

“I passionately want to see Essex be successful.

“There were some big names on the panel, and to know I’ve got the support of those guys is immense. There was so much knowledge sat around that table, and to have them pick me out is fantastic.

“We are determined to move the club forward, and move on from last season.

“This is a fresh start, and that is shown with the changes we have already made to our pre-season programme.

“We need to change how we have done things previously, and I am already making those changes.

“It is a great opportunity.”

Silverwood enjoyed a stellar career on the field. He played 184 First-Class matches, appearing for Yorkshire, Middlesex and Essex.

He took 577 wickets at an average of 27.41, and this included 6 Test Matches and 7 One-Day Internationals for England.

He has been sssistant head coach at the club since January 2014.

Chief Executive Derek Bowden said: “Chris is a tremendous young coach with the vision, passion and dedication that this Club deserves.

“His work with the England Lions this month, alongside his time spent with other ECB development squads over the past few years, demonstrates how highly regarded he is in the game of cricket.

“We are delighted that Chris will be leading the side into the 2016 season.”

“In an application process which has left no stone unturned, we feel we have found the perfect candidate. We had five shortlisted candidates, who we interviewed, and each made outstanding presentations.

“Chris’ presentation, however, was truly exceptional. We were all incredibly excited about the vision Chris has for the Club, and where he feels we should be heading, both on and off the field.”