Mick Newell has already done enough to convince Trent Bridge officials that he's the man to lead Nottinghamshire into a bright new era.

There's been a staggering change in Notts' fortunes since Newell stepped up to replace Clive Rice in mid-June and his reward is a two-year extension to his contract.

Said Notts Cricket Committee Chairman Stuart Foster: "It was our intention to consider the management situation at the end of this season but after the events of the past few weeks, there's no point in waiting.

"The transformation in our results has been incredible and Mick deserves a huge slice of credit for that. He has done it in his own quiet way - just as he always did with the Second XI - and has earned the respect of everyone.

"Some people may have had doubts about how he would face up to tough decisions. But the first thing he did was to leave Kevin Pietersen out of the team and look at the response that has prompted.

"Mick has already shown he won't duck the difficult decisions. He's desperate to be successful for himself and for Nottinghamshire and knows what has to be done to bring that about."

Three wins in the Norwich Union League since Newell took charge has given Notts a faint chance of avoiding relegation and they now have a real chance of promotion in the Championship after winning four of their last five matches.

Newell, who is 37, has been handed the title of Director of Cricket and as such, he will be in overall charge of all playing matters at Trent Bridge. His new deal will run until the end of the 2004 season.

He said: "Obviously I'm pleased to get things sorted out earlier than expected and now I have to get on with the job of justifying the faith the Committee have shown in me.

"The players have responded superbly but they know there's still massive room for improvement and we have to keep working hard because we haven't achieved anything yet.

"We are still a Division Two club in Championship terms and I just want us to continue playing good cricket and get back to the stage where people respect and fear us."

Decisions regarding other cricket appointments will be made after the end of this season.

© Notts CCC