Harvey returns to Gloucestershire

Ian Harvey will return to Gloucestershire as assistant head coach this summer. Harvey, the former Australian allrounder, is a legend in the Westcountry, having played a key part in the one-day success Gloucestershire enjoyed at the turn of the century.

Harvey, 43, will return to work with recently-appointed head coach Richard Dawson, whom he played with at Yorkshire in 2004 and 2005. Harvey will walk back through the Grace Gates for the first time since 2006 - his final season for Gloucestershire.

It was from 1999 to 2003 that Harvey is most fondly remembered, helping Gloucestershire to six one-day trophies and also becoming the first T20 centurion when he made 100 not out against Worcestershire in 2003.

"It's a really exciting time," Harvey said. "Over the next few seasons we've got the opportunity to start pushing for trophies and for promotion. We are past rebuilding now, we have a lot of senior players here who've played a lot of cricket and it's up to us as coaches to get the best out of these lads. If we do then trophies and promotion aren't out of the question.

"A lot of things at the club have changed but one thing that hasn't is the supporters. They are one of the things that made it so enjoyable playing for this club and being successful. It is always nice to win but when you see how much enjoyment it brings them it makes the job even more worthwhile. Hopefully they can keep supporting us and help us get back to the way we were."

Dawson added: "We interviewed some very strong candidates and Ian stood out. He already knows about the club having been a major part of its most successful period. His passion for the club is clear to see and he wants to recreate the successful environment he experienced here as a player.

"From a coaching point of view he was an exceptional bowler, batter and fielder so he covers all technical bases and adds to an already strong coaching team that includes Owen Dawkins and Mark Thorburn. He knows a lot of the lads from when he was here as a coach with the one day squad in 2013 and the lads enjoyed his enthusiasm and knowledge."