Gloucestershire have given a new two-year contract to their director of cricket John Bracewell.

Gloucestershire have had mixed fortunes this season; they are currently second from bottom in the Second Division of the Frizzell County Championship, but lead Division Two of the Norwich Union League, by eight points over Surrey.

Gloucestershire captain Mark Alleyne has also agreed to lead the side for the next two seasons with the aim of extending their Norwich Union success into the County Championship.

In a statement the club said: "We have identified a number of areas where it is necessary for us to make improvements and we are in the process of putting these in place.

"The matter has been discussed by the management committee who have stated their complete support for John Bracewell and Mark Alleyne.

"During their time at the club, Gloucestershire have achieved unprecedented success and are confident that the problems of the past few weeks, while not insignificant, will be dealt with in an appropriate manner.

"Cricket teams can only flourish when the whole squad are working together and we believe that with hard work and sensitive leadership we can achieve this."

Bracewell said: "I'm delighted by the club's support for me and it means I'll be able to work on a number of things that I want to."

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