Essex have appointed former England seamer Chris Silverwood as their bowling coach ahead of the 2010 season.
The 34-year-old, who was released from his playing contract at Middlesex at the end of the 2009 campaign, replaces Warwickshire-bound Graeme Welch in the post.
Former Yorkshire bowler Silverwood represented England six times at Test level and has been touted as a possible outsider for a similar role in the England set-up.
Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: "Chris is a highly respected person having played plenty of first-class cricket and of course he has represented England.
"He is desperately keen to make an impact and is the perfect bowling coach for the club as he ticks all of the boxes."
