Rob Key says important decisions have to be made in the next few weeks to determine the way ahead for Kent cricket.

Speaking in the wake of the departures of director of cricket Paul Farbrace, and top batsmen Joe Denly and Martin van Jaarsveld, the Kent skipper said: "The cricket side of things has been on hold over the last couple of years, in order to get the business side of things right.

“A lot of thinking has to be done in the next few days and weeks to find a clear direction for the club to move forward, and decide who is doing what on the coaching side and recruit new players.”

Key denied rumours again linking him with a move to newly-promoted Surrey, and that he had his differences with Farbrace, as well as voicing his regret at the loss of Denly and Van Jaarsveld.

He said: “It is very sad to lose two high class players especially Joe because he was one that has come through the system. This was the time when his career at Kent should kick on, and now he has gone.

"He was the kind of player you think would play for Kent for the next 10 years, and it’s a real blow to lose him because players like him don’t come around very often.

“They are two of my best mates in life, especially Joe. I can understand their reasons for leaving, but it’s a shame they won’t be at Kent because they are two fantastic players.”

Commenting on Farbrace’s exit, Key added: “I feel for him. He came in at a time which was the most volatile in Kent cricket with massive debts. It’s been a very tough couple of years dealing with the off the field stuff as well.

"We didn’t fall out, but it was a tough time to be coach or captain and a real struggle trying to get results.”