JOHN Bracewell has compared his task at Gloucestershire to climbing Mount Everest.

The New Zealander's return to the county as Director of Cricket was confirmed this week after months of speculation and he claims he has unfinished business' at Nevil Road.

After winning seven one-day trophies between 1998 and 2003 during his previous tenure at Gloucestershire, Bracewell's name was written in county folklore but the 50 year-old believes he has a lot more still to achieve.

Bracewell, who will leave his post with New Zealand to return to what he calls his second home' in April 2009, has set his sights on winning the County Championship for the first time in Gloucestershire's history.

And he believes this new challenge awaiting him is like climbing the highest mountain in the world. "It's unfinished business," he told the Gazette.

"There were things I didn't achieve, I didn't win the County Championship and you always want to be to first person to put your foot on Mount Everest.

"The county championship is our Everest."

"We need to set foundations within the side in the longer form of the game.

"If we do that we have the commercial side which we can build on."

Bracewell signed a four-year contract with Gloucestershire on Monday despite having other firm offers on the table.

And after five years of being head coach of New Zealand, he's looking forward to getting back involved in the domestic scene and believes he is a better coach for his international experience.

"I am pretty excited after six years of international cricket grind.

"I worked with a great captain in Stephen Fleming and some very talented cricketers, and against a lot of talented cricketers, so I have gained a lot from it."

Bracewell's first job though could come before he even starts his post at Gloucestershire.

Steve Kirby and Alex Gidman have both talked to other counties and have considered leaving the County Ground at the end of this season once their contracts are up.

However, both have hinted they may stay with Gloucestershire if Bracewell arrived, and the former New Zealand international off-spinner confirmed he has already made contact with both parties.

He said: "I have spoken to both of them."

"Obviously they will make up their own minds but I'm confident the ambition of the club, our movement forward and goals will assist in positive decisions.

"Our ambitions are fairly similar, we all want to be successful."

And Bracewell says he would also like to bolster the bowling attack.

He said: "I think we're a little short, there's too much pressure on Jon Lewis and Steve Kirby, which needs to be addressed. They need to have good back up."

Another man's future who also needs to be resolved is Chipping Sodbury-based Jack Russell, who is currently working as team mentor.

Bracewell confirmed he would love to work with the legendary wicket keeper again and there will be discussions taking place as to what role he may hold next season.

Bracewell said: "Jack Russell and Mike Smith are two guys I admired for their durability.

"They get every ounce out of themselves and they're invaluable to what we want to sell here."

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