KENT’S director of cricket Graham Ford has quit his winter role as coach to South African franchise side Nashua Dolphins just six weeks into a three-year deal.

The 45-year-old stood down after the Natal side’s third straight defeat, citing personal reasons for his decision to go.

Ford, a former coach to the South African Test side, agreed terms for another two-year stay at St Lawrence in September and Kent remain confident he will honour the deal despite this decision to part company with the Dolphins five games into their campaign.

Kent’s chief executive Paul Millman said: "I have spoken with Graham and it was very much his decision to sever ties with the Dolphins.

"I believe his priority has always been with Kent and this decision just re-inforces that. The likelihood is we will get even more from him now in terms of time and commitment to the club."

In confirming Ford’s decision to leave the Dolphins, the club’s chief executive officer Cassim Docrat said: "He (Ford) wanted to keep this very confidential because I believe it is very personal and sensitive to him. It has nothing to do with cricket.

"Our doors are always open to Graham in whichever capacity he wishes to contribute to KwaZulu Natal cricket."

Ford is scheduled to team up again with Kent in March next year.