Bracewell to return to Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire have announced that John Bracewell, the New Zealand coach, will return to the county as head coach next year.

Bracewell, 50, enjoyed a successful period as coach of Gloucestershire at the turn of the century, inspiring them to six one-day trophies and promotion to the top division of the Championship before New Zealand lured him back in 2003.

"When last with us John Bracewell brought us trophies and promotion to the first division in 2003. We are very pleased to welcome him back," John Light, the county's chairman, said. "The whole club has the will to support him and the appointment of a renowned figure to lead our cricket shows our determination to take Gloucestershire forward. We now have a great opportunity which we must seize. "

Gloucestershire will hope Bracewell's return sparks a revival in fortunes. Without a win in the County Championship, the county was beaten at home by Yorkshire in the FP Trophy quarter-finals and finished bottom of the Mid/West/Wales Division after a miserable Twenty20 Cup campaign.

Said Bracewell about his return: "After six seasons on the international circuit I am delighted to return to Gloucestershire as my family and I regard this as our second home. I have gained great experience from international cricket and hope to invest that in the cricket club."

His contract with New Zealand expires in April of next year, and he earlier admitted a return to Gloucestershire was a priority. Bracewell played 41 Test matches and 53 one-day internationals for New Zealand.