Coaches Thomas and Taylor agree new Leics deals

Leicestershire earned promotion for the first time in their history last season [Shutterstock] Promotion-winning Leicestershire head coach Alfonso Thomas has signed new deal to remain with the County Championship side until the end of the 2028 season. The 49-year-old South African's assistant coach James Taylor has agreed a similar extension just months after the two combined to lead the Foxes back to the top-flight of the English game as Division Two title-winners. The pair had initially worked together as interim head coaches in 2023, when promoted together to replace Paul Nixon.

They went on to guide Leicestershire to the One-Day Cup title that same year, with Thomas going on to be confirmed as permanent head coach at the end of that campaign in a deal that kept former England batter and selector Taylor by his side. "When James and I first stepped into these roles, we spoke about building something the supporters could be proud of - not just in terms of results but in the way the team represents the club every single day," Thomas told the club website . "We've made some fantastic progress together but there's still a huge amount we want to achieve.

" How crushing defeats turned into 'tears of joy' for Leics Sussex beat rain to race to win over Leicestershire Listen to BBC Radio Leicester's Talking Foxes podcast Leicestershire's director of cricket Claude Henderson praised both Thomas and Taylor for the "massive role" they have played in transforming Leicestershire from a club whose place as a first-class county side was being questioned into a revitalised Division One outfit. Taylor, 36, who started his professional playing career with Leicestershire, says "strong foundations" have been built in recent years and that he and Thomas will "look to keep the club driving forward". Leicestershire are yet to win a Division One match since going up this season and are second from bottom with two draws from their five games so far.

The club have also announced that Tom Helm has been recalled from the second half of his two-week loan by Middlesex. The seamer took 3-85 and 1-37 in the recent defeat to Sussex at Hove.