Glenn Turner has today been named as the Otago first-class coach.

The position is a full time appointment for a two-year term and has been made possible with the New Zealand Cricket initiative to part fund major associations for the employment of full time coaches.

The role will include assisting with the development and talent identification of players throughout the region and also the Otago Cricket coach development programme.

Turner has been convener of selectors of the Otago team for the past three seasons. The appointment therefore provides the Association with continuity following Denis Aberhart's appointment to coach the CLEAR Black Caps.

"We are delighted to have secured Glenn as our coach for the next two years. His extensive playing and coaching record will be fully utilised by Otago Cricket", said Chief Executive Graeme Elliott. "We have already developed a very good working relationship and I am confident that with his knowledge of the game, Glenn will give our players a significant advantage next season", added Elliott.

Turner is looking forward to the challenge of working with the blue and golds. "We are in a process of building a solid base of players in the region and we now have an excellent high performance centre. It will be good to be back, being fully involved in cricket."

The appointment takes place immediately.

© Otago Cricket Association