BEN Smith could follow Matt Mason and take up a dual role at Worcestershire next season after being offered a two-year deal.

The 36-year-old is currently in talks with the County and New Road chief executive Mark Newton hopes the former skipper will sign next week.

The contract, which will run until the end of the 2010 campaign will mainly focus on his playing career, but Smith, who is nearing the completion of his England and Wales Cricket Board Level Four coaching badge, will also assist the coaching staff at the County.

“We are in talks with Ben about a full-time role with the club to involve some coaching,” said Newton.

“We have offered a two-year playing contract which will take precedence. Ben is considering the offer and we hope to confirm next week.”

Having hit a rich vein of form with the bat in recent weeks, Smith is keen to continue playing, but the former New Road skipper is keen to extend his career in the sport.

Smith has already been helping with the coaching in the County’s academy.

Mason signed a new deal with Worcestershire earlier this week that sees him extend his playing career to the end of next season as well as becoming the bowling coach with the club from October.

He was delighted to sign a new deal having come through an 18-month injury nightmare that nearly ended his career.

The 34-year-old seamer penned a contract to extend his playing days to the end of next season and he will also take up the role of bowling coach.

“Only three months ago I was wondering if I would ever play again so to be offered this combined role is more than I could ever have hoped for,” said the Australian-born bowler.

“As a player I believe I still have a lot to offer and since returning to the first team I feel I proved that and the opportunity to work with the senior players and continue the development of the younger bowlers is one I am relishing.”

Meanwhile, the County have made no decision on the future of their four other players whose contracts expire in September.

Chris Whelan, Mehraj Ahmed, Richard Jones and Josh Knappett all see their current deals run out at the end of this campaign.