JOHN Bracewell will return to Gloucestershire County Cricket Club as their new director of cricket next year it has been confirmed today.

Bracewell, 50, coached the county from 1998 to 2003 and during that period they won seven trophies including a double in 1999 and a treble in 2000.

He took over as the Coach of New Zealand in autumn 2003. As a player, he played 41 Test matches for New Zealand as well as 53 one-day Internationals.

Bracewell said: "After six seasons on the international circuit I am delighted to return to Gloucestershire as my family and I regard this as our second home.

"I have gained great experience from international cricket and hope to invest that in the cricket club."

Chairman John Light said: "When last with us, John Bracewell brought us trophies and promotion to the first division in 2003.

"We are very pleased to welcome him back. The whole Club has the will to support him and the appointment of a renowned figure to lead our cricket shows our determination to take Gloucestershire forward.

"We now have a great opportunity which we must seize. "