Gidman named Gloucestershire captain

The allrounder Alex Gidman has been named as Gloucestershire captain for 2009, replacing Jon Lewis who stood down in November.

Gidman has been a regular stand-in for Lewis whenever England call-ups or injury have struck and now has the chance to form a new partnership alongside John Bracewell who has returned as coach.

Gidman was being chased by a number of other counties last season but was persuaded to stay at Gloucestershire.

"To be given the job of captain makes me incredibly proud, I have learnt a huge amount in the last few years and feel the time is right for me to take on the role," he said. "The team and myself had a poor 2008 and I am so keen to move forward and prove how good I and we can be."

"The excitement around the boys about the coming year is great to be a part of, and myself and John, will be doing our utmost to bring the best out of the players. I am not sure how many people know how much I love this club and cannot wait to get started."

Tom Richardson, the chief executive, added: "Alex has had plenty of experience of captaining the team in 2006 and 2007 in the absence of Jon Lewis on England duty or because of injury. We feel the time is right for him to take on the role full time and we are very confident that he will work really well with John Bracewell."