SPIN bowling coach Richard Dawson has left Gloucestershire CCC to become Second XI Coach at Yorkshire CCC.

Richard, 33, is Yorkshire-born and began his career as a county professional at Headingley, going on to make seven Test match appearances for England while with his home club.

He joined Gloucestershire as an off-spinner in the 2008 season and began coaching before his playing career ended in 2011.

At Yorkshire, Richard replaces Paul Farbrace, who recently left the club to become coach of the Sri Lanka national team.

Gloucestershire director of cricket John Bracewell said: “We like our coaches to be ambitious and when that is the case you run the risk of losing them.

“As a player, Richard added to our young squad the experience of having performed in the pressure cooker of an Ashes Series and having won a County Championship title with Yorkshire.

“He was a natural to make the progression from our playing squad to our coaching staff and has delivered programmes with a great deal of energy and passion. He has also played a big part in maintaining dressing room morale at a time when the club have had to make some tough financial decisions.

“We understand his reasons for wanting to join Yorkshire and wish him well.”

Dawson said: "I'd like to thank Gloucestershire CCC and, in particular, John Bracewell, for giving me my first opportunity of coaching at a professional level after retiring from playing.

“The transition from playing to coaching was made easy for me in the environment I have been working due to the players and coaching staff at the club, who I'd like to thank.”