Ashley Giles has been appointed as the new director of cricket and head coach at Lancashire, the English county announced Wednesday.

Former England limited overs coach and Ashes-winning spinner Giles had been without a full-time position since missing out to former Lancashire boss Peter Moores when the England and Wales Cricket Board combined his old post with that of Test coach six months ago. He succeeds Lancashire stalwart Mike Watkinson, who stepped down from his position following the team's relegation from the First Division of the County Championship.