Key reappointed as Kent captain

Rob Key's side finished runners-up in three competitions last season

Kent have reappointed Rob Key as captain for next season, while spinner Rob Ferley has rejoined the club.

Key, who led Kent to two one-day finals in 2008, was described by chairman Graham Johnson as having "fine leadership qualities in all forms".

"Rob is hungry to continue the impact he has had in long and short forms of one day cricket," Johnson said.

Ferley, 26, turned down a new deal with Nottinghamshire, and returns to Kent after two years at Trent Bridge.

Johnson added that Ferley also wanted to make a breakthrough in the four-day game.

His performances as captain and as a batsman warrant recognition at international level

Kent chairman Graham Johnson on Rob Key

The left-arm spinner returns to St Lawrence having signed a two-year contract.

Ferley came through the ranks at Kent but found it difficult to break into the first team because of the form of James Tredwell and Min Patel.

He moved to Notts in 2006 but struggled to displace England one-day spinners Graeme Swann and Samit Patel.

Johnson added: "It is also great news that Rob has decided to return to Kent after his time with Notts.

"The playing programme in 2009 and 2010 is in transition and spinners have a key part to play."

Kent were relegated from Division One of the County Championship last season for the first time in their history, as well as missing out on two lots of silverware.

But Johnson feels Key is still the man to take them forward: "I know he is determined to achieve the success which so narrowly eluded the Kent team last summer.

"His performances as captain and as a batsman warrant recognition at international level where he has had success in the past."