WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club's director of finance and operations Mark Tagg has been appointed as Northamptonshire's new chief executive.

The 44-year-old, who has spent 18 seasons at New Road, replaces Stephen Coverdale who stood down at the end of January.

Tagg, who will officially take up his new post on April 5, said: "Several things attracted me to the job. From a personal point of view the timing was ideal, but I also see it as a huge challenge. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and starting work with the rest of the staff.

"Kepler Wessels obviously did an excellent team-building job on the field last summer. I want to try and do the same sort of thing off the field."

Northants' chairman Simon Schanschieff said: "We know his skill on the financial side will be important, but he also knows first-class cricket."

Tagg will be leaving New Road on March 19 and will be only the fourth Northamptonshire secretary since the war.