John Bracewell to leave Gloucestershire after 15 years

John Bracewell has spent 15 years with Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire have confirmed that director of cricket John Bracewell is to leave the club.

The 56-year-old first took charge in 1999 and, after a spell back in his native New Zealand, returned for the second time in 2009.

Bracewell led Gloucestershire to five one-day trophies during his time at the helm, as well as the Division Two title in 2002.

His tenure will officially end on 31 January 2015.

"There are times in a coach's career when he has to take the training wheels off and let his charges make their own decisions on how they move forward. I feel this time is now," Bracewell told the club website.

"This group of players are ripe to produce and I would like to thank them and my coaching staff for their hard work and desire to learn and improve.

"I would also like to thank the members who have travelled this journey. Your loyalty to this young group, growing up through what has been one of the toughest periods in our history, will be rewarded I'm sure."

In recent years, Gloucestershire have put a significant amount of money into rebuilding their Nevil Road home, meaning their playing budget has taken a hit.

Bracewell has relied on young academy graduates to fill his squad, and last season they finished seventh in Division Two.