WORCESTERSHIRE say they will leave “no stone unturned” in their search to attract a new head coach.

But the County will not be rushed into the important appointment to replace long-serving Steve Rhodes who had been the director of cricket.

Chief executive Tom Scott says they are prepared to “go global” in their attempt to find the ideal person to lead the club in the County Championship top flight after winning Division Two last season.

Scott, who is set to leave Blackfinch New Road himself before the end of the year, said: “The search has already begun and I want our supporters and members to know we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to bring the ideal new head coach to Worcestershire CCC.

"They will understand our values as an academy-driven County focused on producing English-qualified players to one day play for England.

“There is so much that is attractive about the job and we are prepared to undertake a global search to ensure the right person is put in place.

“The new head coach can look forward to County Championship Division One cricket and the chance to work with a very talented bunch of players.

“During the past two or three seasons they have developed into a highly-competitive unit who I believe are capable of a sustained period of success.

“I think any coach would welcome the opportunity to work with our academy which has produced so many of those players and is something we will continue to invest in as a key part of the club’s future.

“Only this week two of the bright prospects for the future of Worcestershire CCC, Dillon Pennington and Adam Finch, were named in England’s Under 19 World Cup squad.

“It is a dream job for any coach who shares our values and we are determined to ensure the right person is put in place at Blackfinch New Road as soon as possible.”

Former England Test wicketkeeper Rhodes left last week after 33 years with Worcestershire following an internal investigation into what the club called "a disciplinary matter".

It had been alleged in national reports that he delayed telling the County's board about the arrest of player Alex Hepburn who was charged with two counts of rape seven months later.

The club's only comment on Rhodes' departure was a brief statement thanking him for his long service.

The Yorkshireman signed for the County in 1985 and remained as a player and then coach before becoming director of cricket in 2006.

But it appears Worcestershire will not be looking to fill the position directly and are instead looking for a head coach in his place.

Assistant coach Matt Mason is to continue leading close-season training after Rhodes' exit.