JOSH Bess will lead the Devon side in all forms of cricket again this summer, two seasons after he stood down as captain.
Bess, 28, led Devon for two seasons until the end of the 2014 campaign when he left on an extended working trip to Australia.
The Sidmouth all-rounder’s last game in charge was the Unicorns Trophy final win over Oxfordshire at Wormsley.
Keeper-batsman Matt Thompson was appointed to lead the three-day Minor Counties side with former Somerset and England U19 left-hander Rob Woodman skippering the one-day team in 50 and 20-over cricket.
Devon had a disappointing first season under Thompson – they didn’t win a three-day game – but there were clear signs of an improvement in 2016 when they finished halfway up the Western Division table.
Woodman took the one-day team to the Unicorns T20 semi-finals in 2015. Devon reached the last four of the Unicorns Cup in 2016 before bowing out to eventual winners Herefordshire.
Keith Donohue, Devon’s director of cricket, said reappointing Bess was a decision based on his strengths rather than any perceived weaknesses in Thompson or Woodman.
“In the cold light of day Josh is a better captain than Rob or Matt,” said Donohue.
“There are many aspects to that, such as age, experience and a happy knack of bringing people together.
“Rob was well liked as captain of the one-day side, but only plays one-day cricket and was unlikely to be a long-term appointment.
“Matt improved markedly as captain last year having learned from the tough experience of 2015 and that made it a hard decision.”
Donohue said Thompson will stay involved in team management and selection in the new post of vice-captain, a job Devon haven’t officially had since Gary Wallen was number two to Barrie Matthews in the late 70s and early 80s.
“Of course Matt and Rob are disappointed we have asked Josh to captain both sides – in fact I would be worried if they weren’t,” said Donohue.
“It has been a tough couple of years for the three-day team and Matt had a lot of problems to deal with.
“Selection was a particular issue and more often than not Matt was proved right when it came to who to pick.
"That is why we have asked him to be vice-captain, to take advantage of his clear thinking and keep him involved so that when he skippers the side again he will be more of an all-round leader.”
The Devon management will be hoping for a period of captaincy stability now having made five appointments since Bob Dawson stood down at the end of the 2009 season.
Neil Hancock, Chris Bradley, Josh Bess, Thompson and Woodman and now Bess again have all led the side – none of them for more than two seasons.
Thompson said he was ‘disappointed’ but not entirely surprised he had been replaced by his predecessor.
“There is a little bit of personal disappointment that having come through one of the toughest transition periods two seasons ago, I won't be able to lead the boys when we're really competing again this time around,” said Thompson.
“That said, I only inherited the job in Josh's absence so it makes perfect sense for him to continue where he left off.
“Josh did an outstanding job before he left and I have no doubt he will continue moving us in the right direction.
“We all want what is best for Devon Cricket so I am excited about supporting him and the boys as we head into this season.
“Hopefully I can get back to scoring a few more runs in the meantime.”
Thompson’s three-day average in 2014 before he took over as captain was 25.10 – rising to 54.4 in the cup.
In his two seasons as captain he averaged 18.5 and 16.2 in the Championship and 28.00 and 54.00 in the cup.
Devon start indoor nets in February at the Devon Cricket Centre in Exeter.
Outdoor action starts in late March with a training camp at the Ageas Bowl, home of Hampshire.
Giles White, the former Exeter and Devon batsman, is head coach at Hampshire and offered his old county the facilities there last year for pre-season work.
Donohue said a return invitation had been gladly accepted.
“This year we have two Unicorns Trophy games in April before anyone plays a league game, so preparation time is vital,” said Donohue.
“Hampshire have said we can use their facilities and when they are Test standard that is great for us.
“We will be able to practice and play their 2nd XI on grass wickets at a time when it simply wouldn’t be possible in Devon.”
