Bracewell signs three-year Gloucestershire extension

John Bracewell has agreed a three-year contract extension as Gloucestershire coach to lead the development of a young squad.

The new deal keeps Bracewell at the club until at least 2015, meaning he will have coached the county for seven years in his second stint having previously been in charge from 1999 to 2003 when Gloucestershire won five one-day trophies.

"At a time when we have lost a good deal of experience in our playing squad I felt it was a good time to solidify the coaching side," he said. "I am in it for the long haul with a group of players who have enormous potential and I will ensure they get the support they need and deserve from a very good coaching staff and top class medical department.

"During the next three years the squad will mature and I am very much looking forward to seeing that happen. I enjoy working with young cricketers and the ones here at the moment have excellent skills and energy to build upon."

The Gloucestershire chairman, Rex Body, said: "We were really keen for John to keep working with the talented and improving players we have at the club. The team did really well in the County Championship last summer. We know there is progress that needs to be made in white ball cricket and it is very important that we have continuity in trying to bring this about.