GLOUCESTERSHIRE are closing in on the signing of a former Ashes winner to captain the side next season, according to director of cricket John Bracewell.

With Australian Michael Klinger not due to return to the club until June next summer, Gloucestershire are looking for a replacement as captain for part of the campaign at least, and Bracewell offered some clues on their number one target.

“We are not far away from being able to sign a pretty big name – a former international with great credibility and an Ashes winner – who will be able to lead our team with a depth of experience not seen at this club for a long time,” he told the club website.

“You would class him as an all-rounder, but our intention is to use him as a batsman. I want my young bowlers delivering the overs while getting guidance on the field.

“The boys are hungry to do the work and just need advice sometimes on how to go about it.

“We need to bring in a captain because Michael Klinger is not going to be with us for the first two months of the season and Alex Gidman is leaving.

“I am reluctant to give the role to someone currently in the side because I don’t think anyone is ready for it.”

Bracewell believes Gloucestershire could have the best bowling attack in Division Two next season after tying down Liam Norwell, Matt Taylor and his older brother Jack Taylor to the club until 2017 this week.

Seam bowler Norwell, 22, took 29 wickets at an average of 40.21 in ten County Championship matches last season, while 20-year-old left-armer Matt Taylor was a regular in the first half of the campaign, taking 21 wickets at 43.10 apiece before suffering with shin splints.

Off-spinning all-rounder Jack Taylor returned from suspension after being reported for an illegal bowling action last year to become a key member of the one-day sides.

Bracewell said: “I am absolutely delighted to see three more of our talented young bowlers make long-term commitments to the club.

“I believe that they can contribute to a bowling attack, which is getting stronger by the year and can develop into the best in the Championship Second Division next season.”

Meanwhile, the departing Gidman brothers stole the limelight at Gloucestershire’s Annual Awards evening.

All-rounder Will Gidman, who is joining Nottinghamshire, was crowned Player of the Year by his team-mates and supporters, and also won the Bowler of the Year award.

Worcestershire-bound Alex Gidman was named Batsman of the Year and was also given a Lifetime Achievement award to mark his 13 years of service to Gloucestershire.

Will Tavare collected the Ray Parsons’ Young Player of the Year trophy after scoring over 1,000 first class runs in his debut season.