Lancashire have confirmed the appointment of Ashley Giles as their new head coach and cricket director.

The 41-year-old has been out of work since leaving his role as England's limited-overs coach in April, and has made his return to county cricket as a replacement for Mike Watkinson, who resigned from his post after Lancashire were relegated to Division Two of the County Championship.

"Lancashire is a massive club with a rich pedigree and history, and I am thrilled by the prospect of coaching them," Giles revealed in a statement.

"Emirates Old Trafford is a stunning international venue with excellent facilities and I cannot wait to work with the players and staff.

"It is our intention to return to Division One but our main aim is create something both successful and sustainable, which a club with such an incredible history deserves."

Giles won four trophies during his last stint as coach in county cricket with Warwickshire.