The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced that the former Worcestershire captain Phil Neale has been appointed as the England team's Operations Manager for the next two years.

Neale, who was appointed Operations Manager for the winter tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe earlier this year, will be responsible for providing support to the England squad both at home and overseas.

His duties will include pre-tour planning, arranging pre-tour preparation periods; day-to-day planning and programming of the team's activities; and managing on-tour travel and accommodation arrangements.

He will also assist the Head Coach Duncan Fletcher in the planning and programming of specialist coaching and assist in The Management of team practices when required.

Neale managed the England A tour of Zimbabwe and South Africa last winter having previously managed the NatWest England U19 side on their tours of Pakistan (1996-97) and South Africa (1997-8) which included victory in the U19 World Cup.

He also coached England A in South Africa in 1993-94 and India in 1994-95 after a successful playing career that saw him captain Worcestershire to six domestic trophies including the County Championship in 1988 and 1989.

Announcing the appointment, the ECB's International Teams Director, Simon Pack, said: "Phil's managerial qualities and administrative skills, along with his cricketing pedigree, suit him ideally to this important new appointment.

"With expanding international schedules and with the introduction of ECB central contracts next Spring, planning and programming the team's day-to-day activities is becoming increasingly important. We are delighted to have him on board as a permanent member of the England management team.

Phil Neale said: "I'm looking forward to working closely with Duncan Fletcher, Nasser Hussain and the rest of the squad. The all-round demands on international cricketers have increased significantly in recent years and I hope I can play my part in ensuring that the England players receive the best possible administrative and technical support."

For further information contact:

Andrew Walpole, ECB Media Relations Manager - 0171 4321252/0385527102