Gloucestershire sign Dawson

Gloucestershire have signed former England offspinner Richard Dawson, who has been without a first-class county since being released by Northamptonshire, on a two-year deal.

He has been coaching at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, but has now been given a chance to resurrect his professional career after he initially began a short-term stint with Gloucestershire.

"We are delighted to have Richard on board," said Jack Russell, the Gloucestershire team mentor. "He is a player with international experience, as well as having a county championship medal under his belt."

Dawson played seven Tests, making his debut in Mohali on the 2001 tour of India where he took four wickets. He played the rest of that series then made four appearances in the 2002-03 Ashes series after Ashley Giles broke his hand between the first and second Tests.

It was a tough tour for him and he took just five wickets in the four matches although his final appearance was in an England victory in Sydney.

"I am really excited about the following two seasons at Gloucestershire," Dawson said, "and I am looking forward to working with such a strong squad."

Although Dawson was named in England's 30-man squad for the 2004 Champions Trophy his county form declined and in 2006 he was released by Yorkshire, joining Northamptonshire for a season.