A new era begins for the SKYCITY Northern Knights this summer with Bay of Plenty's Daniel Flynn named captain of the team in all forms of the game.

Flynn, who debuted for the Knights in the 2004/05 season as a powerful young batsman from the Mount Maunganui club, has developed into one of Northern Districts most prolific left-handers and has the added experience of 49 international matches for the Blackcaps.

Daniel Flynn (left) has been named the SKYCITY Northern Knights captain for the upcoming season.

He lays claim to the all-time ND record of 13 first-class centuries and was devastating in the Knights one-day top order last season - form he intends to continue from the helm.

"Captaincy is a fresh challenge for me and it's come along at a good time in my career," says Flynn.

"At 28 I've been around for a while and the extra dimension of leading the team will be stimulating.”

He adds he is looking forward to working with new coach James Pamment and help guide the team to higher honours after last year's disappointing season.

Pamment says the decision to revert to a single captain across all three competitions is primarily driven by the youth of the new-look squad – illustrated when the six players yet to turn 23 were named in the first round of domestic contracts.

Last season the Knights opted for three specialist captains in Brad Wilson, Scott Styris and James Marshall for the Plunket Shield, Ford Trophy and HRV Cup sides.

"Having the same captain across all forms of the game was considered a priority with a younger group of players because the constant changing of formats does make it more challenging for different leaders to put their stamp on the group,” says Pamment.

"Daniel has a sharp cricket brain and is held in the utmost respect by all our players. He's impressed for many years as a quality leader of men, but because we've been blessed with so many leadership resources in the Knights, those qualities have been under-utilised until now.”

Flynn is one of 11 contracted Knights named today, with a further three names to be added on August 9.

Graeme Aldridge, Brad Wilson and Anton Devcich fall into the established player category while Jono Boult regains a contract for the first time in two seasons.

"Jono fought his way back last summer, which we were delighted to see," says Pamment.

"He forced his way into our Twenty20 team, played the majority of the Ford Trophy and contributed in his three Plunket Shield opportunities. Spin is a long apprenticeship, but not only was he tenacious with the ball, we saw his skills in fielding and batting maturing as well."

Youngsters Ish Sodhi, Daryl Mitchell and Anurag Verma have retained their contracts while wicketkeeper Cameron Fletcher, batsman Jono Hickey and quick bowler Scott Kuggeleijn join the Knights' contracted elite for the first time. Kuggeleijn was previously contracted by the Wellington Firebirds.

'Cameron Fletcher has an outstanding work ethic. I've been highly impressed by him ever since I worked with him as a fielding coach in the New Zealand Under-19s. He's an exciting prospect who's determined to represent his country, and it's nice to be able to reward him after he made a big commitment to playing for us last season.

"Jono Hickey is likewise a New Zealand Under-19 graduate but was held back by a few injuries and missed opportunities in recent seasons. He overcame that in style last summer, coming into our Ford Trophy side with great zest and punching out vital half-centuries under pressure. We're investing in Jono. He'll have the chance to build on those 50s this summer and we look forward to helping him push his way into the first-class arena as well."

Northern Districts chief executive Peter Roach congratulates all players contracted in the first round.

"Northern Districts Cricket is extremely pleased with the quality of players it has been able to contract. With five SKYCITY Northern Knights earning NZC contracts, and Daniel Vettori advising he didn't wish to be offered a contract yet remaining available to us, we have effectively been able to contract 20 players from our region.

"We are conscious there will still be disappointed players from within our region. We have built up an enviable depth of talent and much credit here should go to our District Associations for their development work. There are at least four or five players who will not be contracted who we believe are likely to play some cricket for the SKYCITY Northern Knights this season."

SKYCITY NORTHERN KNIGHTS CONTRACTED PLAYERS - FIRST ROUND

Graeme Aldridge 35 Bay of Plenty

Jono Boult 27 Bay of Plenty

Anton Devcich 27 Hamilton

Cameron Fletcher 20 Poverty Bay

Daniel Flynn 28 Bay of Plenty

Jono Hickey 22 Counties Manukau

Scott Kuggeleijn 21 Hamilton

Daryl Mitchell 22 Hamilton

Ish Sodhi 20 Counties Manukau

Anurag Verma 22 Waikato Valley

Brad Wilson 28 Northland

* The final three contracted players will be announced on 9 August 2013.