Gloucestershire return for Harvey

The former Australia all-rounder won six trophies with the county between 1999 and 2003 as a player and was back again two years ago as limited-overs coach.

For the second time, he will work alongside Richard Dawson - who was named the new head coach at Nevil Road two months ago, after himself returning from his native Yorkshire.

Harvey, 43, said: "It's a really exciting time. 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."

Harvey was always a supporters' favourite in his playing days.

He added: "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.

"I hope they can keep supporting us and help us get back to the way we were."

Dawson said: "It's very exciting for the club to have Ian Harvey as assistant coach. We interviewed some very strong candidates, and Ian stood out."