Russell Cobb says his immediate aim when he takes on the role of head coach at Loughborough University is to continue the progress made by his predecessor, the late Graham Dilley.

Cobb is leaving Grace Road, where he has been a fixture for the past 34 years, to take on an exciting challenge at Loughborough.

"It is a great honour to be appointed MCCU Head Cricket coach at Loughborough University," he said.

"I have seen for myself how the university's cricket programme has developed greatly over the last few years since becoming part of the MCC Universities scheme.

"I am looking forward to working with talented athletes and guiding them along their university cricketing pathway. My aim is to continue and develop the good work of Graham Dilley.

"I've loved my time at Leicestershire and wish the club and staff the best of fortune during the future."

Cobb moves from the role of high performance coach at Grace Road which has seen him helping young players move through the age group squads into contention for first team places.

His knowledge and experience will prove a great asset at Loughborough as the University's performance sport manager, Jo Emmett, acknowledged, saying: "I am delighted that Russell has agreed to become our new MCCU Head Cricket coach.

"He has excellent credentials in developing young cricketers. I look forward to working with him as we begin a new era for cricket at Loughborough."

Loughborough's is one of the six MCC Universities, a scheme set up in 2005 to support young talented cricketers to go into higher education by providing them with the best possible opportunities to develop their cricket while at university.

MCC Head of Cricket, John Stephenson, said: "Congratulations to Russell. The world class facilities and superb sporting infrastructure available at Loughborough MCC University, in addition to the conveyor belt of talented young cricketers, presents him with a perfect environment to help to produce the next generation of professional players. I very much look forward to working with him in the years to come."

MCC head coach Mark Alleyne, a former Gloucestershire all-rounder, said: "During the interview process Russell really impressed with his passion, innovative ideas, and clear vision, to take the Loughborough MCCU programme forwards.

"He has a proven playing and coaching track record, and I am sure that he will be an asset to the MCC Universities scheme on a national level."

Cobb succeeds former England paceman Dilley, who died after a short illness in October last year.