Kent County Cricket Club today announced that Chris Penn is to join the Kent coaching staff on a part-time basis this coming season.

Penn, who was forced to retire from first-class cricket in 1996 through injury, will assist John Inverarity and Chris Stone as a specialist bowling coach when teaching commitments allow.

Penn said: "I am very excited about my new role. The prospect of working with the talent on the staff is something I am looking forward to. This season is very important for many of them and I hope that I am able to pass on some of my experience for their benefit."

Stone, Kent's staff coach, said of the appointment: "We are delighted that Chris has joined our coaching staff. Bowling is a specialist art and needs specialist advice, which Chris is highly qualified to provide. He has worked with our bowlers in the past and his experience, enthusiasm and good humour have already shown great results."

Penn joined Kent in 1982, was capped in 1987 and retired in 1996. During his career he took 296 first-class wickets and took five or more in an innings on 12 occasions. He currently teaches at St Edmund's Junior School, Canterbury.

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