Mark Trott has officially resigned as chairman of Somerset Cricket Club's Cup Match selection and cricket committee just weeks away from the annual classic spectacle, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

"Mr.Trott sent in his resignation letter last week from his interim post as cricket chairman and chairman of selectors," Somerset Cricket Club president Richard Scott confirmed.

It is believed Trott resigned under pressure over his handling of sensitive issues at the club this season such as the controversial recruitment of league coach Ricky Hoyte.

"When it comes to resignations I believe that much thought has gone into it and people realise that it is the best thing for them and the organistion," added Scott.

Barbados-born Hoyte was given the nod over Ricky Hill for the top post earlier this year despite failing to produce coaching certification.

Hill, a close friend of Hoyte, is an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Level Two certified coach who currently coaches at the national youth level.

It is understood that long-serving member Michael Corday had been targetted as a potential successor to Trott.

However, Corday has instead been appointed as manager of Somerset's league and Cup Match teams while president Scott has taken over Trott's vacated position as cricket chairman and chairman of selectors.

Following consultation with his fellow executive Scott appointed himself as cricket chairman and will now preside over all cricketing matters at the club until a suitable replacement can be found.

"I am the chairman of cricket until we make a change and look forward to my new role with great anticipation," Scott confirmed. Somerset's Cup Match selection committee now consists of former skipper Dexter Basden, former club coach Winston Reid, current Cup Match coach Ricky Hill and current skipper Jacobi Robinson.

"Great leaders surround themselves with great minds," added Scott.

Trott, meanwhile, hasn't gone entirely out of the picture as he now heads up Somerset's ambitious Community Youth Cricket League.

With this year's classic just over three weeks away, Scott says he doesn't believe Trott's resignation will have any negative impact on his club's Cup Match preparations.

"Most of our preparations are under the guidance of our coach anyway," he stressed.

"Our Cup Match preparations are going quite well and I am very excited about our team's prospects for this year.

"Preparations are going well and enthusiasm is quite high and I am looking forward to a good two days of Cup Match."