HAMPSHIRE legend Jimmy Adams has returned to the county as an assistant coach, alongside former Somerset star Alfonso Thomas.

Former Hampshire captain Adams, who amassed more than 20,000 runs in a career spanning 16 years and 491 matches for the club before retiring at the end of last season will focus on the Hampshire Second XI.

Thomas enjoyed a 17-year county career, including eight years with Somerset, and has since held coaching roles with Kent, Surrey, Khulna Titans and the West Indies.

He will work closely with the squad’s bowlers.

Both roles will allow current Head of Player Development, Charlie Freeston, to work solely with the Hampshire Academy.

The duo join first-team manager, Adrian Birrell, as part of a new coaching set-up.

Adams said: “I shared some great experiences here at Hampshire during my playing career and I’m really excited about the opportunity to continue contributing in a coaching capacity alongside Adi, Alfonso and the rest of the group.”

Thomas said: “I’m very excited to be joining such a successful Club and talented group of players - I’m really looking forward to getting to know the guys and joining up with Adi, Jimmy and Giles during pre-season and can’t wait to get started ahead of the new season.”