County champions Essex have today named Anthony McGrath as their new head coach.

McGrath, 42, who replaces fellow Yorkshireman Chris Silverwood after he joined the England coaching staff, moved to the club last year as assistant head coach.

With he and Silverwood at the helm, the side won back-to-back league titles, starting with Division Two and promotion, before last season’s remarkable and unlikely Division One crown.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity, and really excited to get started. I have thoroughly enjoyed my two years at the club so far and I am honoured to take over the head coach role at such a great county.

“The club have put faith in me to take over the excellent job Chris did and really continue the success we have had over the last couple of years.

“I am thrilled, obviously we will miss Chris, but it is now time to move forward and I can’t wait to get back with the squad.”

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McGrath added: “I don’t think much needs to change from the formula Chris and myself introduced a couple of years ago. “Obviously I will put my own stamp on things, but we have a competitive squad of homegrown players who are all passionate about the club.

“We know we need to keep improving, as people will target us now we are champions, but that is normal. Every single one of us needs to keep raising the bar as we can’t stand still and I will be working hard to make sure we all do that.

“If we improve ourselves every day over the winter and bring it into the season, we won’t be far away from success in all competitions. We will make sure Essex stay as one of the most successful counties in the country and achieve our goals.”

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Derek Bowden, Essex Cricket chief executive, said: “Having had discussions with Anthony following Chris’ departure, it was clear he had the knowledge and passion to lead this club forward. He was an integral part of the success over the past two years and brings a continuity that we were keen to implement.

“The players know how he works, we know how he works and ultimately he was the outstanding candidate to take the club forward.”