Sam Northeast feels Kent can achieve “something special” on his return to the club after a nine-year absence.

The Ashford-born batter spent a decade with Kent before moving on to Hampshire and then Glamorgan but is back on home turf this season.

Kent finished bottom of County Championship Division Two last season after being relegated the previous year but Northeast, 36, is optimistic they can bounce back.

“There’s an inner belief that we could do something special this year but we have to go out and prove it,” he told BBC Radio Kent.

“We’re quietly confident of a good season.

“The aim for the club has got to be to get promotion over the next few years and to play a part in that would be special. To get a bit of silverware would be equally special.

“Leaving Glamorgan on a high – getting promotion for the first time in 20-odd years – was nice.

“The goal for me is to make sure Kent is one of the top clubs in the country again.”

Northeast, who became the first player since Brian Lara to make a quadruple-century in first-class cricket in 2022, captained Glamorgan in the red-ball game for the past two seasons. He also skippered Kent during his previous spell at the club.

While Daniel Bell-Drummond will continue to lead the side this season, the club’s director of cricket Simon Cook wants to tap into Northeast’s experience with the squad’s up-and-coming batting talent.

“When I sat down with Cooky he wanted to make sure the young guys coming through were mentored in the right way,” said Northeast.

“It’s not a definitive role within the club but it’s something I would naturally do anyway.”

As round one of the Championship gets under way next Friday, Northeast’s first game back will be against Durham.

“I’m pleased to be back – just putting that helmet and badge on the other day, it felt special,” he said.

“I’ve got a spring in my step just to get going. It’s nice to be back at home.”