FORMER Gloucestershire batsman Tim Hancock has taken over the club’s Academy as part of a newly-created role as Head of Talent Pathway.

Tim’s appointment will allow his predecessor Owen Dawkins to focus on his roles as Second XI and batting coach.

Gloucestershire Cricket chief executive Will Brown said: “Tim is remembered affectionately by supporters for his time here as a player and we are delighted to have appointed him to this new role.

“He knows what it is to be a part of winning Gloucestershire team, has a great record of player development and a strong relationship with our existing coaching team.

“This extra investment in our cricket department will provide more support for our professional squad and continue the proud record of developing our own players that has been overseen by Owen in recent years. “ As a player Tim made 185 First Class appearances for Gloucestershire scoring more than 8000 runs and taking 47 wickets. He was part of the county’s most successful side ever, winning seven one-day trophies between 1999 and 2004.

Since retiring he has held a number of coaching jobs including Head of Performance for the Gloucestershire Cricket Board (GCB), a role that has been incorporated into the Head of Talent Pathway position.

The 44-year-old said he was looking forward to the new role.

He said: “Having spent my entire playing career here and been involved in the junior age groups for a number of years, I am very pleased to take up this new role.

“There is now continuity and a clear pathway from junior cricket to the professional game and I hope to build on the Academy’s strong record of moving people into First Class cricket.”

Tim – who has recently completed his Level 4 “Master Coach” award – will continue to run Gloucestershire’s Emerging Players Programme and coach the county Under 17 team in his new role.

He takes over an Academy set-up that under Owen Dawkins oversaw the development of 10 of Gloucestershire’s current 18-man squad, including six of the 2015 Royal London One-Day Cup winning side.

As well as developing players from within the county, part of Tim’s new role will be to strengthen and formalise ties with schools and neighbouring minor counties. As well as developing existing partnerships he will also look to explore new opportunities.

He said: “It is important for young players from Gloucestershire to see that there are opportunities for them to progress but we also want youngsters from neighbouring counties to view us a club that can help them transition from junior cricket to the professional game.

“One of my priorities is to meet with all of our current partners and discuss what we can do to build on our existing relationships.”

Owen Dawkins had run the Academy since 2008 but will now focus on running the Second XI and his role as batting coach.

He said: “I am proud to have overseen the development of 10 of the current first team squad. It has been a pleasure to help them develop into successful professionals and I am excited to spend more time with the squad moving forwards.

“I am delighted to be handing the reins over to Tim. This further investment in our coaching resources is testament to the club’s desire to continue to produce talented players.”

In addition to the Academy graduates who are already on the full-time staff, four more – Ollie Currill, Callum Gregory, James Bracey and Patrick Grieshaber have recently signed “Academy Plus” contracts which are designed to provide a stepping stone between the Academy and professional squads.