Kevin Hurdle has embarked on a new chapter in his cricket career having been appointed head coach of First Division outfit Western Stars.

The former Bermuda and Somerset Cup Match fast bowler has inherited a Stars side going through a rebuilding phase having lost the services of four players during the last transfer window, among them captain and star batsman Tre Manders.

It is an enormous task that Hurdle has grasped with both hands as he attempts to return the Pembroke club to its former glory.

“It's been challenging as we don't have a whole lot of numbers. But we've had a dedicated few that have been out over the last few weeks and they have been putting in the work that I am asking for,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“It's a time for a rebuilding at Stars as we've lost at least half of our team from last year, so its' just a rebuilding process.

“Promotion to the Premier 50 overs and T20 Divisions is the ultimate goal, but I can’t say if it's going to happen this year. If it does, it’s going to take a big effort from the senior players because it's about blooding in the youth now as we don’t have the numbers.

“There's a been a few youngsters out training who will be playing. We have some coming back from school so it's about blooding them in and giving them a chance.”

Devarr Boyles, president of Western Stars, is delighted to have Hurdle serve in the role.

“I am encouraged by some of the things Kevin has done right off the bat. He has put down his marker as far as standard, attendance and is holding everyone accountable as it should be,” he said.

“It's an exciting time for me and the team in having a new coach. It’s a lot of good energy and he just needs the support of the cricket community and players and fans alike to be patient.

“This definitely will be a huge rebuilding job for him so he needs all the support that he can get, and we're hoping that happens.”

Hurdle has tapered his expectations heading into Stars’ First Division T20 season opener against Willow Cuts at Somerset Cricket Club on Sunday, his first match as head coach and first fixture of the 2025 season.

“Willow Cuts have a well-rounded and a pretty experienced team, so I am just expecting my players to go out there and give me all they have got. That's all I can ask for,” he said.

Hurdle, who represented Bermuda at the 2007 ICC World Cup in the Caribbean, featured in Stars’ line-up last season and will continue doing so during the upcoming campaign to help make up the numbers.

“We don't have the numbers and so I am going to have to play,” he said.

“It's not easy to be player and coach, it's a balance that you have to find. It's very challenging to help your players out and then try to hold your own game, but I can work off of experience.”

Warwick Workmen’s Club will square off against parish rivals PHC in the remaining contest of a First Division T20 double header at Somerset Cricket Club on Sunday.

Lorenzo Tucker, the Warwick coach and club president, is optimistic his team has the firepower in its arsenal to achieve a positive result.

“PHC will be a tough team to beat. They have Chris Douglas and just signed Charles Trott,” he said. “They are a very disciplined team and bowl very well.

“Our guys have been training hard and we feel we got enough to get across the line with the likes of Malachi Jones, Kamau Leverock, who has signed with us this year, along with Stefan Dill and Khari Burgess. We think we have enough."

Warwick were the other team along with Stars relegated from the Premier T20 Division last season.

Flatts will take on Southampton Rangers at Lord’s, St David’s, in Sunday’ other First Division T20 fixture.