Somerset’s new batting coach Dave Houghton spent two days at the County Ground earlier this week when he met director of cricket Dave Nosworthy and Jason Kerr, the county’s new bowling coach, writes Richard Walsh.

During his short stay the former Zimbabwe Test batsman and coach who was heavily involved with Derbyshire’s promotion to the top division in 2012, made it quite clear what he is here for.

Houghton said: “Success is not coming third at Somerset, success is about winning, which is a fantastic environment for me to step up into.

“There are good players to work with here, fantastic facilities and now can we take the guys through that finish line, which is so exciting for me as a coach.

“In the little bit of one to one work I have done with the players so far I have made it clear that I don’t have a magic wand. What I do have however is some pretty insightful ideas and a knowledge and understanding of the game that I can help them with.

“At the end of the day it comes down to the hard work that they are prepared to put in and that will see them over the line, but I am really looking forward to it.”

Houghton, who also met the players during his brief visit, said he was only too well aware of the near misses the Cidermen have had in recent seasons.

He added: “I really hope that I can be part of the team that puts a big smile on the supporters’ faces over the next couple of years. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to get Somerset back to Lord’s and win.

“I have been there before with Worcestershire in the 1990s and lost one, which I didn’t enjoy, and then won one which I did enjoy.

“So hopefully we can get them all back there with a big smile on their faces and see everyone walking around with some trophies.”

Houghton takes up his full time post on January 1, but expects to be at the County Ground for a short spell again early next month.