Chris Adams in frame for Hampshire post

7:00am Wednesday 13th August 2008

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Sussex captain Chris Adams is a shock candidate to replace Paul Terry as Hampshire manager.

Adams captains Sussex in tonight's NatWest Pro40 match under the Rose Bowl floodlights but is already a leading contender to replace Terry, who will be leaving Hampshire, after six years as manager, next month.

That will come as a surprise to many as Adams has clashed with Hampshire players, particularly Shane Warne, on several occasions in the last three years.

But Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove has never made any secret of his admiration for what the man he knows as 'Grizzly' has achieved in leading Sussex to three County Championship titles in the last five seasons.

The respect between Adams and Bransgrove is mutual and the Sussex captain, who is now 38, is ready for a new challenge.

Two years ago, Sussex agreed to release Adams from his contract so he could accept an offer to combine a captaincy/managerial role at Yorkshire.

After a shock about-turn, Adams returned to Sussex and agreed a contract extension that expires at the end of next season.

But the Daily Echo understands a clause in Adams' contract would allow him to discuss a new job offer should it arise.

"I shall lead Sussex for as long as they want me or until an opportunity presents itself which takes me into a new era, new career or new direction," said Adams recently.

"I'm not sure whether my future is in coaching or administration and would love to stay with Sussex but we have two high-performing people in the top roles at the club, so it's not going to happen in the immediate future."

Warne, ex-Middlesex director of cricket John Emburey and former England coach Duncan Fletcher are also possible replacements.

Bransgrove was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Don't miss today's Daily Echo for more cricket, including why Shane Warne's departure was the beginning of the end for Paul Terry.