Richard Dawson, 34, the former Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and England off-spinner, has been appointed as the new head coach at Gloucestershire with immediate effect.Dawson, who ended his playing career with Gloucestershire at the conclusion of the 2011 season stayed on as their specialist spin-bowling and one-day coach, before taking the opportunity to join Yorkshire County Cricket Club at the beginning of 2014 as their Second XI Coach.
“This is my first head coach role so I know it will be tough but I am looking forward to the challenge,” Dawson said. “During my time with Yorkshire I was fortunate to work with some outstanding coaches, players and backroom staff. I learned a lot from them and look forward to putting that into practice at Gloucestershire.
“We have a good young squad here and my aim will be to help them compete in all competitions. We will be working hard every day to try and make the small improvements that will bring us success on the field.”
Following a rigorous recruitment process, Dawson was appointed to the newly created role ahead of very strong competition.
Will Brown, Gloucestershire Cricket’s Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to have secured Richard as our new Head Coach. He brings a wealth of coaching experience through his time with Gloucestershire, Yorkshire and as a former England Performance Programme Spin Coach.
“We saw some very good candidates but he really shone through during the recruitment process. I would like to place on record my thanks to Yorkshire for their co-operation in allowing Richard to join us with immediate effect and we can look forward to a successful 2015 season with him at the helm.
“Following on from Richard’s appointment we now plan to begin our search for an Assistant Head Coach in the next two weeks.”
The departure of Dawson is a big blow for County Champions Yorkshire who lost Paul Farbrace as 2nd XI coach in the last close season. Former Yorkshire and England all-rounder is the early favourite to replace Dawson at Headingley.
Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur said: “We are disappointed to be losing him, he has been a crucial part of our coaching structure however we understand he’s an ambitious person who truly deserves this opportunity.
“His work with the Second team and his assistance to Jason with the First team throughout the year have been excellent and we will all miss him and what he has brought to our Club.
“We wish him every success in his future career development.”
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
He is also the presenter of the Cricket Badger Radio Show on Radio Yorkshire every Tuesday evening between 7-9pm UK time.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
James is a published author, a writer/video contributor to many cricket publications and a complete cricket badger!
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