FORMER Glamorgan stalwarts Dean Cosker and Mark Wallace will continue their playing partnership this season with Newport.

Spinner Cosker, 39, retired from first-class cricket at the end of last season after 21 campaigns while wicket-keeper Wallace, 35, hung up his gloves last month after 18 years with the club.

The former has been appointed as a liaison officer for the England and Wales Cricket Board and the latter has taken up a role with the Professional Cricketers Association but they will keep playing the game with the Premier League champions at Spytty Park.

"It's fantastic news that Mark has agreed to join Newport, he obviously has great experience and is a model professional," said Cosker, who was allocated by Glamoran to the club last year.

"Not only will Mark bring his competitive nature to the first XI but will also bring his outstanding knowledge of the game."

The pair already had strong links to the club because their children are regulars at coaching sessions and Wallace, from Crickhowell, is relishing the chance to help future generations in Newport.

Wallace said: "I've already had a great insight into the way the club operates from taking my sons to the junior set up, so joining the club was an easy choice when I retired at Glamorgan.

"I've always admired how the club continues to improve the standard of youth cricket across Wales and I look forward to contributing towards the club's continued success, from the first team through to the Under-5s."

Newport won the Premier League last season and head coach Mike Knight believes the firsts will flourish with their new mentors in the squad.

He said: "We're delighted to have two icons of Glamorgan Cricket in the ranks at Newport.

"Their experience and playing knowledge is second to none and they will be superb role models for our many outstanding young players to follow and learn from."