ESSEX chief executive David East believes the county's new leadership team will bring even more success to the Ford County Ground.

The former Essex wicketkeeper is convinced rookie captain Mark Pettini, vice-captain James Foster and newly-appointed first-team coach Paul Grayson are the right men to lead the club's talented young team.

"We've got an extremely talented, young, inexperienced side, but it is very capable," said East.

"It's impossible to replace the experience of Ronnie Irani, Andy Flower and Darren Gough - they were three big hits we've had - but we have a young, capable captain managing a young, very capable side and we've every confidence that we'll have success this year.

"But it is a transition and I think everybody realises that."

Pettini was initially appointed as stand-in captain following Ronnie Irani's retirement last month, with the situation being reviewed at the end of the summer.

However, East admitted it was unfair on both Pettini and his team-mates to leave them guessing as to the long-term future of the captaincy.

For that reason, the county's cricket committee met on June 25 and decided to offer Pettini the position permanently, subject to the endorsement of the club's all-powerful general committee, which was granted on Wednesday.

"We strongly believed Mark had demonstrated that he had the ability, will and drive to take the side forward," explained East.

"We wanted to end any speculation as far as the dressing room was concerned and as far as our members and supporters are concerned.

"One of the reasons we appointed James and Paul at the same time was to ensure Mark has all the support infrastructure he needs.

"We are in a transitional period, but are going to throw all the resources behind them to ensure we go forward successfully."

East explained that while Pettini - unlike predecessor Irani - would have an official vice-captain in Foster, the new skipper would still assume overall control of all first eleven matters.

"Ronnie took on the supremo role worked very very well and we believe Mark is keen on that level of responsibility as well," he said.

"Mark will be in charge, but he will have some support around him."

As for Irani himself, the recently-retired skipper will remain as club captain until the season's end, when he takes up a new media career with TalkSport radio.

East admitted there were no immediate plans for Irani to take a coaching role with the county he has served with distinction for 13 years.

"No plans. Ronnie is going to remain as club captain for the remainder of this summer and support Mark, James and Paul in their new roles," said the chief executive.

"He is starting a new career in the media and is going to have a break from professional cricket, but it's a case of never say never'."