Ford favourite to take over at Gloucestershire

Graham Ford is favourite to succeed John Bracewell as Gloucestershire's coach, according to a report in today's Guardian. Ford, who coached South Africa from 1999 until he was sacked last June, said: "There have been discussions with Gloucestershire, but with other counties as well. It's at a sensitive stage right now, but there have been negotiations."

Ford was dismissed as South African coach after they lost five of their six Tests to Australia last year. He has since been running an academy in Durban and has served as a technical advisor to Natal, but he now fancies a move to county cricket. "The county scene has intrigued me since childhood, and I follow county cricket with interest," he said. "Coaching over there is something I would really like to do."

If Ford does take over at Gloucestershire, his first task will be to find replacements for their two overseas players, Ian Harvey and Jonty Rhodes, who are both leaving at the end of the seaaon. Ian Ward is now available after he announced he will be departing from Surrey, although Somerset are reported to be following him with an offer of the captaincy.

It is thought another name on the shortlist is Mike Gatting, but Ford is the front runner at present.