Somerset to rename Taunton pavilion in honour of retired Marcus Trescothick

The opener represented the county across 27 seasons before officially joining the coaching staff in November

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Somerset have announced they will rename a pavilion at their Taunton home in honour of club legend Marcus Trescothick.

The batsman first appeared for the county's senior team in 1993 and played right through until June last year, before signing a two-year contract in November to become an assistant coach at the club.

While the 44-year-old had already had a stand named after him at the County Ground in 2008 as part of renovations to host fixtures in the following year's World Twenty20, the county has now confirmed it will rename the Somerset Pavilion built at that time in his honour.

The structure is located at the southern end of the ground, housing media facilities as well as seats, suites and a rooftop terrace.

"Obviously this is a real honour and something that makes me feel extremely proud and humble," Trescothick commented.

"It was incredibly special to have a stand bearing my name, but for the club to have taken the decision to rename the Somerset Pavilion is amazing.

"I'm not ashamed to say that I was pretty emotional when they told me. I always said that I wanted a roof on my stand and now I've got one!

"Somerset County Cricket Club is extremely close to my heart and it continues to be a huge part of my life. I can't thank the staff, the players and of course the members and supporters for everything that they have done for me for nearly 30 years."

^{The Marcus Trescothick Pavilion featured prominently during last summer's World Cup}

A ceremony and dinner to mark the renaming of the building is scheduled to take place on April 3, the third and final day of Somerset's pre-season meeting with Glamorgan.

Trescothick joins the likes of Colin Atkinson, Brian Rose, Sir Ian Botham and long-time teammate Andy Caddick in having buildings or fixtures at the River Tone-adjacent ground to commemorate their achievements.

His former stand, located to the north-west of the playing area by the Joel Garner Gates, will now become the River Stand.

"When the suggestion to rename the Somerset Pavilion after Marcus was put to the club's general committee recently it was unanimously approved," said director of cricket Andy Hurry.

"[This] just goes to show that he is held in the very highest regard by those connected to the club.

"This is a fitting tribute to someone who has given so much to this club both on and off the field. Marcus is without a doubt one of the finest players ever to have represented Somerset County Cricket Club."

"His work off the field, particularly with the PCA, mental health charities and local charities once again highlights that he is a great man and not just a great cricketer."