GLEN Chapple has been appointed as Lancashire's new skipper for 2009 following the club's decision not to offer Stuart Law a new contract.

Law, who took over the Red Rose captaincy reins last year, is the second high-profile name to leave Old Trafford following Dominic Cork's defection to Hampshire.

The Aussie - who turns 40 next week - first joined Lancashire in 2002 as the club's overseas player and was voted Lancashire's Player of the Year in 2003.

"Stuart has been a top class player and has served us superbly in the time he has been here," said Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes.

"But the club is committed to giving younger members of the squad the opportunity to grow and the Cricket Committee felt the time was right for other players to take on added responsibilities."

At 34, Chapple is Lancashire's longest serving player, having made his first-class debut back in 1992. "I’m absolutely delighted and very proud to be named as captain of Lancashire," said Chapple.

"It’s a privilege to play for such a big county, and an even bigger honour to be captaining the club I’ve been involved with for the past 18 years."