Surrey have confirmed the appointment of former Sussex captain Chris Adams their new professional cricket manager. Adams has signed a three-year deal after being released from the final year of his playing contract at Hove.

"I am delighted to join Surrey at this stage," Adams, 38, said. "Although there is sadness that I won't walk out again as a player, that is overridden by my desire to take on this new challenge."

Adams' appointment had been anticipated after Gus Mackay left his role as chief executive at Sussex to take up a senior post at The Oval.

He will be joined by Graham Thorpe, the former England and Surrey batsman, who is to take up a post as a specialist batting coach.

Adams added: "It is a huge privilege for me to leave one role and walk straight into this amazing opportunity. Surrey are a big club with some high performing players and I look forward to working alongside the guys as we look to bring long-term success back to the Brit Oval.

"There is nothing more rewarding than leading a group of men to great success. I've done that as a captain and now intend to do it again as a manager."

Adams will have overall responsibility for all aspects of professional cricket at Surrey.

His desire to move into a management position has been well known but in 2006 he had a change of heart after accepting a post as director of cricket at Yorkshire.

He instead stayed at Sussex and oversaw their third County Championship success in five seasons in 2007.

Adams began his playing career at Derbyshire but made his name at Sussex, where he will be remembered fondly as the most successful captain in their history after 11 years in charge.

He stood down as skipper at the end of last season and had initially indicated he would carry on playing, but Surrey's offer has proved too good.

Surrey decided to change their management structure following their relegation in the County Championship this year with Alan Butcher leaving the club.

Mackay said: "Securing Chris' services after what was a very thorough recruitment process is fantastic for the club. His experience, expertise and work ethic is exactly what we need to help instil a culture that will help us become a successful club once more.

"From his time at Sussex he knows a thing or two about winning trophies and I'm confident that he is the man to bring these winning ways back to Surrey in the coming years.

"We firmly believe that we need strong leadership off the field during this period of rebuilding and Chris is a natural leader of people. I wish him every success."