Shaw is excited by the opportunity so early in his coaching career

"Morale will be paramount next year, we can't survive on cricketing ability alone," said Neath man Shaw, 34, who takes over from John Derrick.

"We'll be starting games as second favourites, but can use the underdog tag to our advantage.

"There are huge challenges for players and coaches ahead, but I see them as opportunities rather than problems."

Former Neath rugby player Shaw scored 2665 first-class runs in 11 seasons as wicket-keeper at Sophia Gardens.

There are an exceptional group of youngsters here, the best in the country Adrian Shaw

He coached Glamorgan's second XI last season, and will be assisted by former bowler Steve Watkin in his new role of performance director.

"I've always wanted to get into coaching, and to get such a chance so early in my career is fantastic," Shaw told BBC Wales.

"It's a big challenge but I'm not intimidated and I plan to change things around.

"The problems at the club are well documented, there's financial instability and we have no overseas players next season.

"There is a danger that players could get adjusted to losing, but we'll address that - I've spoken to the boys and they're very positive.

"There are an exceptional group of youngsters here, the best in the country.

"But people have to remember that they are very young. We'll be working hard with them, but they will take five or six years to mature."

There wasn't the money available for a high-profile coach, but we also don't believe that that would be the answer Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell

Glamorgan chairman Paul Russell was in upbeat mood about the Welsh county's long-term prospects.

"For the first time in a long time the club can look to the future with a great deal of optimism," Russell told BBC Sport Wales.

"We will have to limp through 2007, but then things will start to pick up.

"The fundamentals of a very good side are here, but they need welding into a team.

"It was a unanimous decision by the management board to release John Derrick, coaches in all sport seem to have a limited shelf life.

"He is an enormously talented coach - especially one-to-one and with the younger players - but he has struggled in team building.

"We very much want to retain John's talent within Welsh cricket.

"There wasn't the money available for a high-profile replacement, but we also don't believe that that would be the answer.