SPIN BOWLING coach Richard Dawson has left Gloucestershire to take up the post of second team coach at Yorkshire.

The 33-year-old, who also coached Gloucestershire’s players in limited overs cricket, is Yorkshire-born and began his career as a county professional at Headingley, going on to make seven Test Match appearances for England while with his home club.

He joined Gloucestershire as an off-spinner in the 2008 season and began coaching before his playing career ended in 2011.

Since then he has been a valuable member of staff, helping to develop the spinners, in particular, and the team in the shorter formats of the game.

Dawson has been signed by Yorkshire as replacement for Paul Farbrace, who recently left the club to become coach of the Sri Lanka national team.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: “We like our coaches to be ambitious and when that is the case you run the risk of losing them.

“As a player, Richard added to our young squad the experience of having performed in the pressure cooker of an Ashes Series and having won a County Championship title with Yorkshire.

“He was a natural to make the progression from our playing squad to our coaching staff and has delivered programmes with a great deal of energy and passion. He has also played a big part in maintaining dressing room morale at a time when the club have had to make some tough financial decisions.

“We understand his reasons for wanting to join Yorkshire and wish him well.”

Gloucestershire chief executive Will Brown added: “During his time with the club Richard has developed into a superb coach. I thank him for the job he has done here and wish him a successful future.”

Dawson said: "I'd like to thank Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, and in particular John Bracewell, for giving me my first opportunity of coaching at a professional level after retiring from playing.

“The transition from playing to coaching was made easy for me in the environment I have been working due to the players and coaching staff at the club, who I'd like to thank.

“I'm looking forward to the new challenge at Yorkshire County Cricket Club and hope to continue to develop as a coach. I wish Gloucestershire Cricket all the best for the upcoming season and in the future."