OXFORD CC have pulled off a coup by signing High Wycombe batsman Jason Harrison as their first-team coach and captain for next season.

The 34-year-old Bucks star, who skippered Wycombe to three Home Counties Premier League titles (2002, 2003 and 2005), takes over as captain from Pat Jobson, who has stepped down after two years at the helm.

He also led Wycombe to the Thames Valley League championship in 1999 and an Evening Standard Trophy triumph in 2003 as well as reaching two Cockspur Cup semi-finals.

But now Harrison, who was on Middlesex's books from 1992-97 and played ten first-class games between 1994-96 under the captaincy of Mike Gatting, has joined Oxford for a new challenge.

He said: "I felt that I had done as much as I could at Wycombe and needed a club desperate to succeed and progress and that is where Oxford came in.

"I had several clubs to choose from, but Oxford stood out for me."

Harrison, who has with Wycombe for 18 years - seven as captain before handing over to Paul Sawyer last summer - is excited by Oxford's potential.

"A big part in my decision was the depth of the squad and the amount of players they have got to pick from," he said.

"It is a city club and most importantly there is the ability of the team. Over the last four years since we have come across them we felt Oxford were as talented as anyone as a squad.

"There is no doubt that they are a positive team as batters, have good seam bowlers and their trump card is in the spin bowling."

Now Harrison, who was a professional with Lincolnshire between 1998-2001, is looking to mould Oxford's talented side into a championship-winning outfit.

He said: "The ambition is to challenge for the Premier title and go as far as we can in the cup competitions.

"The squad is very similar to Wycombe's and if we put the work in, the sky is the limit.

"I cannot wait. I just think they are as talented a bunch as anyone in that league - Slough and Wycombe included."

Rupert Evans, Oxford's chairman of cricket, felt Harrison's arrival was exciting news for the club.

"I think is a great signing for us," he said. "In terms of success in that league his record is second to none - he has won more championships than anyone else in the Home Counties.

"He has done it all for Wycombe in a similar role, which we hope he will do for our club.

"I think the biggest thing I am looking forward to him bringing to us is a winning mentallity, which he instilled at Wycombe."

Evans believes Harrison's batting will also compliment Oxford's array of strokeplayers.

"I think what he brings is stickability," said Evans.

"Jason will build the innings and provide a platform. He sells his wicket dearly."