Kent head coach Matt Walker praises impact made by Paul Downton who is to retire as director of cricket after this season

Kent head coach Matt Walker has heaped praise on departing director of cricket Paul Downton, describing his appointment as the most significant decision ever made by the club.

Downton, 66, will retire at the end of this season after more than five years with Kent.

“It’s very sad to hear that news,” said 49-year-old Walker.

“Obviously, we had spoken about it for a little while and Paul had been thinking about it for a little while.

“We had never had a director of cricket before 2018, but I think we realised we needed a director of cricket to keep up with modern times.

“The fact it was Paul was the most significant cricket decision that was ever made at this club.

“The impact he’s made is incredible.”

Farnborough-born former England managing director Downton initially was appointed to the role in January 2018 after the ex-international wicketkeeper played for Kent in the 1970s.

In that time, Kent Spitfires lost to Hampshire in the 2018 Royal London One-Day Cup Final before they won the T20 Blast in 2021 and then claimed the Royal London One-Day Cup last year.

Walker said: “They’re going to be a very hard pair of shoes to fill because Paul has done it absolutely perfectly, in my opinion.

“My relationship with him, I couldn’t ask for anymore.

“He has been very supportive - always there when you need him but without being overly-involved.

“He has let coaches get on with their jobs and supported them as much as he can when you need him.

“It’s been five or six years now. He wants to move on and retire.

“The things he has put in place will move the club forward. Hopefully, the next person will do it in a very similar way.

“I’m sure Paul will be around and a phone call away if I need anything.

“I thank him for everything he has