KENT have re-appointed Rob Key as county skipper for a second season but have said farewell to five of their squad as their team re-building plans for 2007 start in earnest.

While Key continues at the helm with Min Patel as his vice-captain, the county have confirmed they will not be offering contracts to Key’s predecessor David Fulton and four other players.

Kent’s chairman of cricket Graham Johnson said: "We would like to place on record our thanks to David for his immense contribution to Kent cricket and wish him well in the future."

Fulton said: "It is with great sadness but with no bitterness that I leave the club I have supported since I was a boy and have played for for 15 years."