The Scots have a new man in charge of coaching

Peter Steindl has been appointed Scotland's new cricket head coach.

Peter Drinnen resigned in July but was retained as technical director. However, his contract, which expires this month, will not be renewed.

Steindl will be assisted by former Ireland coach Adrian Birrell, who becomes coaching consultant and will have planning and tactical input.

Australia-born Steindl said: "We have the opportunity to build on some excellent performances last season."

Birrell stood down as Ireland coach in April following a World Cup campaign in which his Ireland side beat Pakistan and Bangladesh.

He said: "I am delighted to be involved again in top-class cricket after my short break.

"The offer to work on a consultancy basis with the Scotland team is a great opportunity to assist a national team on a part-time basis."

Steindl, the 37-year-old former Scotland medium-pace bowler, will take up his new role on 1 January.

"After working with the squad last season on an interim basis I am delighted to progress to work full-time in preparing the team towards the 2009 ICC Trophy," he added.

"We have 16 months to prepare the squad for a massive event and the work starts now."

Steindl's first match in charge will be the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup clash with Namibia, starting on 4 April, while New Zealand and England visit in the summer.