DORSET are on the lookout for a new head coach after Alan Willows stepped down from the role to take up a job in South Africa.

Willows is set to start as director of cricket at SACS High School in Cape Town next January.

The 54-year-old returns to the country where he met his wife while playing and coaching before taking the Dorset post in 2008.

“I’d like to think I made a contribution to Dorset cricket,” he said. “I think we brought the Dorset Cricket Board and Dorset County Cricket Club much closer together.

“We brought Dorset junior and youth cricket closer to the county club and those who perform well for the Dorset Leopards have now got an opportunity to play for the first team.

“Whoever takes over from me has got a really good opportunity to move that forward.”

Winning the Minor Counties title in 2010 was one of the highlights for Willows during his time as Dorset coach, while finishing bottom of the championship two years ago was a low point.

“This chance for me doesn’t come along very often but I feel it’s a positive move for everyone,” he added.

“It’s a fresh challenge for someone else and the new person has got to decide how they want to promote Dorset cricket.

“I believe we are not far away from being championship and one-day trophy contenders.”