Robin Smith is set to take on a Matthew Le Tissier-like ambassadorial role with Hampshire cricket.

Hampshire legend Smith confirmed his retirement after 23 years as a Hampshire cricketer at the Rose Bowl yesterday.

But chairman Rod Bransgrove wants the former England man to stay on the pay roll and is in the process of creating a future role for him.

Smith, who is 40 today, said: "The club have asked me to stay on and be involved in the corporate hospitality side of things. We're not sure exactly what it would involve at the moment but I'm looking forward to developing things here."

"I've seen Matt help out at Southampton when I've been there in the last year or two and I might take on a similar job.

"You haven't seen the last of me, that's for sure, and it will be good to go to be able to watch Hampshire without feeling as anxious as I did when I played."

Smith, pictured at the Rose Bowl yesterday, is also likely to develop his business interests, Chase Sports and Robin Smith World Wide Tours, now that his playing days are behind him.

He added: "There are so many exciting things to look forward to. I always enjoy a challenge and there are plenty of those ahead."

Tributes to Smith: See Review section.