Whitaker resigned in August but has since been at the centre of a storm of controversy while serving out his notice.

He stripped Vince Wells of the captaincy and sacked veteran wicketkeeper Neil Burns and James Crowe at the end of the season.

Leicestershire will be hoping Hill, who has been at the club for nearly 30 years, can smooth over the troubled waters.

Hill revealed that one of his first priorities will be to sort out the futures of Sutcliffe, Wells, Darren Stevens, Devon Malcolm and Trevor Ward who have yet to agree to new deals.

"I hope to conclude these talks and to iron out any concerns they may have in the near future.

"We want them to be part of the playing staff at the club for many years to come.

"We do not intend to release any more players," Hill told BBC Sport Online.

"I am looking forward to leading a team off the field which will provide the resources and the environment necessary to achieve success on the field," he added.