After their astronomical success in the recent past, Gloucestershire were brought down to earth with a resounding thump in 2001, and realise that an improvement is necessary this year. Rising from obscurity to win two one-day trophies in 1999, they bettered the feat in 2001, taking all three competitions.

Despite making the Benson and Hedges final last season, they were relegated from the top flight of the Norwich Union League and agonisingly missed promotion in the CricInfo Championship for the second year running.

But any rival players eagerly marking their fixture lists for easy runs and wickets against Gloucestershire should be cautious. The county still has an innovative coach, New Zealander John Bracewell, who has long outstayed his original tenure. Mark Alleyne brings inspirational leadership, while Ian Harvey must rank amongst the most valuable of overseas players. Indeed, the core of the squad has not changed since Gloucestershire started clearing space in the trophy cabinet in 1999.

Why then, were they so disappointing in 2001? Firstly, it would have been impossible to continue such a phenomenal run for ever; even the wonder team Warwickshire possessed in the mid 1990s was only particularly potent for two years. Another argument suggests that Gloucestershire – a perennially unfashionable county – did not particularly under-achieve. After all, they made one final, and were edged out of promotion and relegation races by the narrowest of margins. They hit their two highest Norwich Union League scores in consecutive weeks, and could finally rely on several batsmen to score runs in the longer form of the game. Whatever the case, it will keep members and accountants alike happy if the club is playing first division cricket again in 2003.

Certainly, Mark Alleyne will hope his players spend less time with the physio this year. Jack Russell started last year's injury train with a slipped disc, while new ball pairing Mike Smith (who barely played a game) and Jon Lewis, as well as vice-captain Tim Hancock missed chunks of the season. Harvey was also absent on international duty, and at times the bowling attack was all but unrecognisable.

Chris Taylor and Jeremy Snape were the season's success stories. Taylor, who made a century on his first-class debut at Lord's in 2000, became a key member of the top order and should settle in at three or four. He hit three further first-class centuries last season, showing the ability to bat for long periods. He will also look to confirm his spot in the one-day team, having been left out at various times last season with Bracewell thinking the shorter form of the game was damaging his technique.

The England selectors took heed of the calls from the West Country that Gloucester were under-represented, and Snape stepped serenely into international cricket as though he was playing with friends in the park. Martyn Ball also won a place in the Test squad to India, and impressed in a warm-up match.

As is usual for cash-strapped counties, several players left the club at the end of the season. Reggie Williams, the superb wicket-keeper who was unfortunate enough to play understudy to one of the greats, was released to further his career elsewhere. Stephen Pope, who represented England Under-19s in the winter, and has been moulded to replace Jack Russell when the need arises, steps in. Northants snapped up medium-pacer Mike Cawdron, where he should find regular first team opportunities. Rob Cunliffe, whose prestigious talent all too often lapsed into mediocrity, was also released, and joins Leicestershire.

Looking to improve their batting, the county signed former Kiwi international Craig Spearman. A British passport, and the fact that he has not represented New Zealand for some time, mean that he does not count as an overseas signing. An exciting player, he should add some solidity in the first-class game whilst he is capable of explosive innings in one-day cricket.

Hancock and Matt Windows must carry through their potential. They are both now amongst the senior players and capable of big seasons.

Slow left-armer Ian Fisher moves south from Yorkshire. He may struggle to earn a regular place on Bristol's slow, low tracks, particularly considering the pedigree of the other two spinners on the books. Nevertheless, he should prove a useful back-up.

Several young players also benefit from one year contracts. Alex Gidman, a 20-year-old seamer; 18-year-old batsman James Pearson and seamer Roger Sillence, who picked up five wickets on his debut last year, all join the squad. Gidman, as well as Alistair Bressington and Mark Hardinges, spent time in Australia last winter, playing club cricket in Western Australia.

While the youngsters give interesting alternatives, the core of the bowling attack remains strong. The club possesses a formidable new ball partnership, with Lewis and Smith as successful as most. Harvey is an ideal back-up, with his bowling in one-day cricket legendary. None will terrify opponents, but Smith's accuracy and movement, Lewis' continual production of wicket-balls and Harvey's chocolate-box variety makes for a powerful line-up.

The irrepressible old-guard is still strong. Alleyne – who now fits into the category – is capable of turning a game with bat or ball. Kim Barnett, now into his fifth decade, still torments bowlers with his stance and an unnerving ability to pierce the cover field. The equally dogged Russell remains the best keeper in the country. His glove-work is a joy, and his batting should be as pugnacious as ever.

Barring another injury-plagued year, the season is shaping up well for Gloucestershire. They begin their campaign with two tricky away Frizzell County Championship matches, which will begin to show what impact they are likely to have this year.

Targets are difficult things to set, and even harder to keep. Still, Alleyne's men must first look for promotion in both competitions. Cup success would be nice, but first division cricket is becoming the be all and end all. Bracewell and Alleyne should guide the young, and not so young, to at least some success this year.

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