FORMER Lancashire cricket director Mike Watkinson has taken on the same role at Manchester Grammar School.

Watkinson, who ended his successful 32-year association with the Red Rose county in October, replaces Mark Chilton as the school’s director of cricket, a job he begins in January.

The Westhoughton-born ex-all-rounder, who has been playing for Edgworth during the last couple of summers, scored more than 16,000 runs and took over 1,100 wickets in 666 first-team games for Lancashire between 1982 and 2000.

The job at MGS is a prestigious one, with the school producing internationals Mike Atherton and John Crawley and Red Rose stalwarts Chilton and Gary Yates, who are both currently part of Ashley Giles’ coaching staff.

Watkinson played Test and one-day international cricket for England and captained Lancashire to three Lord’s final wins in the Benson and Hedges Cup and the NatWest Trophy.

He also played a crucial role in Lancashire’s LV= County Championship title success in 2011 as cricket director alongside head coach Peter Moores and captain Glen Chapple.

“The Manchester Grammar School has a long cricketing history and has produced a number of players who have gone on to play county and Test cricket over the years,” said Watkinson.

“Working with the enthusiastic young players in what is a thriving sports department is an exciting challenge.

“I will be part of a cricket coaching structure at the school which will provide opportunities for all boys whilst enabling talented players to achieve their full potential.

“The school is in the process of improving its facilities, with a new sports hall available in the coming months, and I will be joining a dedicated team of staff at the school.”

MGS high master Martin Boulton added: “We are delighted to have such an experienced coach joining the school.

“MGS has long held a reputation as one of the country’s leading cricketing schools, producing many household names - Mike Atherton, John and Mark Crawley, Gary Yates and Mark Chilton are all Old Mancunians.

“The appointment of Mike to lead our coaching set up should ensure we continue to produce first-class cricketers as well as offering an inspirational experience to boys at all levels of the game.”

Watkinson had played a significant role in bringing Chilton to Lancashire as their second XI coach from the school during the most recent summer when Moores left to become England coach and Yates stepped up to first-team duties.