Gidman quits Gloucestershire captaincy

By Richard Latham

Alex Gidman is stepping down as Gloucestershire captain after four years at the helm. The 31-year-old batsman wants more time to concentrate on his own game and will remain a key member of the playing squad.

Gidman also served as skipper on numerous occasions during three years as vice-captain to Jon Lewis when the seam bowler was away with England, so he has led the team regularly over the past seven seasons.

He said: “I am very proud of the contribution I have been able to make as Gloucestershire captain. But I have not enjoyed the role as much this season and feel the time is right for someone else to take over.

“My intention now is to spend the time I was taking up with captaincy issues on improving my own game. My plan for this winter is to devote more hours to practice and fitness work than I have ever done. Hopefully that will result in lots of runs for the team next summer.”

Gloucestershire chief executive Tom Richardson said: “We are very grateful to Alex for the commitment, loyalty and dedication he has shown as our captain, first as an able deputy to Jon Lewis and then as our appointed skipper.

“The question now arises about how to replace him as captain. We know we need to recruit an overseas signing for next season and one option we shall certainly explore is bringing that player in as our new skipper.”

The club’s director of cricket John Bracewell added: “Alex has faced a particularly tough period as captain trying to deliver success with a young and developing squad.

“With all the demands on him, he has not been able to spend the time he wants to on his own game. He still has a stack of runs left in him as a player and I’m sure he will benefit from being free of the worries captaincy brings.”


Date: 18/09/2012 07:00:00 by Richard Latham
In: Today | Gloucestershire |