HUDDERSFIELD’S James Pamment has been appointed assistant coach of the Northern Knights in New Zealand.

The hard-hitting former Lascelles Hall batsman – who has lived in New Zealand for many years – is already the Kiwis Under 19 assistant and Northern Districts Cricket High Performance Coach.

Pamment – son of the late Mick and from the well-known sporting family – will help Knights head coach Grant Bradburn.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity with a group of players that I think can continue to be very successful,” said Pamment.

“From what I have done to where I want to be, this is a nice natural step in my coaching.”

Pamment has held a number of coaching roles, including the NZ U19s and Northern Districts A team for the past four seasons. He has also experienced coaching at national level, particularly focusing on fielding, and with the NZ Emerging Player teams.

Head coach Bradburn said: “The team will really benefit from the addition of JP (Pamment’s nickname) into the Knights.

“He already works with a number of players in the wider squad, so his knowledge of them plus the coaching skills he will bring for others will add to our environment.”

In addition to Bradburn and Pamment, the Knights have Graeme Stewart (manager), Shane Derry (physio), Craig Ross (pace bowling) and Jason Wheadon (strength and conditioning) on their staff.

Northern Knights launched their season with two matches over this last weekend in the HRV Cup and Plunkett Shield. Their squad includes Steven Croft (Lancashire) and James Foster (Essex).