DORSET’S Paul Tweddle admitted he is “really proud” after being named head coach of Somerset for the county’s Royal London Cup campaign.

Tweddle will temporarily oversee Somerset’s fixtures while incumbent Jason Kerr assists Gary Kirsten at Welsh Fire for The Hundred later this summer.

Tweddle, a former Dorset, Dorchester and Bridport wicketkeeper-batsman, is currently one of Somerset’s assistant coaches and has built a strong reputation for his coaching on fielding.

He also helped coach Somerset to One-Day Cup glory at Lord’s in 2017.

READ MORE: Paul Tweddle helps Somerset to Lord's glory

“I’m really proud to have the opportunity to step up in Jason’s absence,” Tweddle told Somerset’s media team.

“It’s an exciting challenge and opportunity. I love the 50-over format and the club has a good tradition in the competition.

“I have a good knowledge of how the club operates and of the brilliant things that we are already doing. I’ll also be bringing some ideas of my own to the position.

“Ultimately, we all want to be winning games of cricket. We also want to play a great brand of cricket and I’m excited to see that develop and grow.”

Director of cricket, Andy Hurry, believes Tweddle is the right man for the job.

“Our philosophy has always been to recognise talent and to then give it the chance to flourish,” he said.

“That goes for our coaching staff as well as for our players. Paul is hugely respected by everyone at the club and within the domestic game. He has tremendous drive, enthusiasm, innovation and will to win.

“We have observed him develop over a number of years and seen him flourish with the responsibility he has been given.

“This has been a tremendously popular decision within the dressing room and I am sure that our members and supporters will feel the same.

“Above all, Paul is an outstanding coach and his knowledge of the game, our players and their requirements is second to none.

“His talents to lead were initially affirmed to us during Jason’s absence over the winter of 2019/2020 when Jason was seconded to the ECB Lions tour to Australia, and he has also had some previous experience of successfully leading the first XI, when he stepped into the breach when Jason wasn’t available for a period in 2019.

“I’m really looking forward to the one-day cup this year, as alongside this appointment, there are so many exciting opportunities to observe the depth of talent at the club.”