Norfolk off-spinner Chris Brown is the new captain of Horsford Cricket Club.The 33-year-old takes charge of the first team for the second time following Paul Newman's decision to leave the club.

Norfolk off-spinner Chris Brown is the new captain of Horsford Cricket Club.

The 33-year-old takes charge of the first team for the second time following Paul Newman's decision to leave the club.

Brown, voted in at the annual meeting at Manor Park, said he was looking forward to another challenge in an already hectic cricketing lifestyle.

"I'm delighted. I did the job in 2003 but as a cricketer and as a person I've matured an awful lot since then," said Brown.

"I'm really looking forward to leading what will be a very young side.

"Over the last three years I've captained the Minor Counties Under-25s in the Second Eleven Trophy. I feel as if I've improved as a captain and this will be a new challenge."

Newman captained Horsford for three seasons as they booked their place in the EAPL by winning the Norfolk Alliance Premier Division title in 2005, then finished fifth and seventh in their first two seasons at a higher level.

"He's played a lot of cricket at EAPL level in the last couple of years at Horsford, and before that with Norwich, and decided he did not want to carry on and we have to respect that decision," said Brown, who took 48 wickets in the league last season.

Horsford chairman David Browne said: "It's quite a weight of responsibility on Chris as our captain, our professional and our coach, as well as continuing playing for Norfolk, captaining the Minor Counties side and being named as county coach, but we are delighted he is going to do the job.

"Our top priority next year must be to promote young players within the club to the highest level."

Horsford are set to sign a new overseas player. Sri Lankan professional Duminda Perera, who scored 708 runs, the second highest aggregate in the EAPL last season, has not been retained for 2008.

Instead, the club has had talks with a young Australian batsman, from Victoria, and hope to name him as their new professional by the end of the year.

Tony Selby has been re-appointed second eleven captain, with Mike Spenceley again in charge of the third team, and Alistair Ranns newly appointed as fourth team skipper after Mike Lincoln stood down from the post.