GLAMORGAN great Matthew Maynard will step down as head coach at the end of the season.

The former England batsman returned to Sophia Gardens in 2019 on an interim basis before taking up the role permanently at the end of that season.

Maynard has helped Glamorgan improve in the County Championship and, after narrowly missing out on promotion last season, solely focused on red-ball cricket this year.

However, the 57-year-old, who captained the county to the title in 1997, has decided it is time for a change at the top.

“It’s been five years since I returned to Glamorgan as head coach and now just feels like the right time for me to step down,” said Maynard, who has a coaching role with Welsh Fire in The Hundred.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the players and staff immensely and feel like the culture that has been fostered within the group has the ability to grow into something special.

“There is some talent within the squad and I look forward to watching the players develop in the years to come.”

Maynard played four Tests and 18 one-day internationals for England and was an assistant coach for the national team after retiring from playing.

He has also had roles with Somerset, the Titans in South Africa and St Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League.

Director of cricket Mark Wallace, a former teammate and player under Maynard, said he hopes the legend will still pass on his expertise to the county in some capacity.

“He has a fantastic ability to connect with players and his inspiring leadership both as player and coach has left an indelible mark on the fabric of the club which will be felt for many years to come,” said the ex-wicketkeeper from Abergavenny.

“Though Matthew is stepping down as head coach, we are hopeful of retaining his expertise at Glamorgan in some capacity moving forward as we continue to try and develop players in Wales to the best of their abilities.”