Alleyne honoured (From Gazette Series)

Alleyne honoured

GLOUCESTERSHIRE legend Mark Alleyne has been awarded an MBE in the New Year's Honours List after 17 years of service to the club.

The newly-appointed head coach and long-time captain was shocked to receive the honour, which has been handed out in recognition of his services to cricket. Alleyne's illustrious Gloucestershire career began way back in 1986 after his arrival from Haringey Cricket College. Awarded the county's captaincy in 1997, he has led the side to six one-day titles and enjoyed an excellent season last year as Gloucestershire secured promotion to the first division of the County Championship.

The evergreen star has represented England on several occasions and captained the England A team, although it is his work at the County Ground that has won him most recognition in the game.

Undoubtedly Gloucestershire's most successful captain of all time, Alleyne built up a legendary relationship with former head coach John Bracewell, which was the key to the club's recent limited-overs successes. When Bracewell vacated the position in November, Alleyne was the natural choice to be his successor, and is now awaiting his first season in charge.

Alleyne, just back from attending his brother's wedding in Barbados, expressed great surprise and emotion when informed of the honour. He said: "This was totally out of the blue - I suddenly received notice in the post six weeks ago.

"I am really honoured to be recognised in this way, in many ways I feel that cricket has served me well and to be honoured for my services to cricket is amazing. I am extremely flattered to be recognised in this way not just by the cricket fraternity but nationwide."

Alleyne will receive his honour at Buckingham Palace some time over the next five months. He joins teamate Jack Russell, who was awarded an MBE in 1996.

Gloucestershire's honourary treasurer Jim Harris was thrilled with the news, commenting: "We are all absolutely delighted that Mark has received this honour. There can be few cricketers playing today who have put in so much effort into furthering not only the cause of Gloucestershire but of cricket in general.

"Not only has he lead Gloucestershire to six one day cups since he took over the captaincy but also twice captained the England A team of overseas tours. I know he will say that this was a team effort, which indeed it was, but I think it most appropriate that Mark should have been honoured in this way and obviously the club sends him our sincere congratulations both to him and his wife, Louise."

Meanwhile, Alleyne is preparing to begin his coaching duties in earnest this week, having delayed the start of his new post due to the wedding. One of his immediate concerns will be recruiting a second overseas signing for next season, having done well to capture the exciting Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik last month.

Alleyne is also said to be keen to add one or two domestic signings to his squad as he looks to build on last season's successes, which included winning the C&G Trophy and gaining a runners-up spot in the National League.

Although he will definitely remain captain of the one-day side next season, Alleyne will be hoping that the nagging back problems that forced him to miss much of last season can be overcome.