Gloucestershire have their sights set on promotion from Division Two in Alex Gidman's second season as captain.
Promotion in four-day cricket tops the agenda at Bristol
The coach-captain axis of John Bracewell and Alex Gidman enters its second year as Gloucestershire look to build on the positive elements of a mixed campaign in 2009.
Last season
Seam bowlers Jon Lewis and Steve Kirby formed the most potent new-ball pairing in the lower tier of the Championship, combining for 121 wickets.
The batting, particularly the top three, was more of a concern as only skipper Gidman passed 1,000 Championship runs.
Kadeer Ali and Hamish Marshall both flattered to deceive, averages in the mid-30s showing a lack of consistency, while Ireland captain William Porterfield, another to struggle, was in-and-out of the side due to international commitments.
Bracewell's first spell in charge of Gloucestershire from 1998-2003 featured five one-day trophies and there were signs he was again having a positive influence during a run to the semi-finals of the Friends Provident Trophy.
But the Pro40 League and Twenty20 Cup were both disaster areas with just four wins from 18 games across the two competitions.
Ins and outs
The signing of wicketkeeper Jonathan Batty from Surrey is the only major addition to a squad that has been pared down to match the prevailing economic circumstances.
Batty, at 35, is no spring chicken but his impressive batting pedigree, including 20 first-class centuries during his time at the Oval, is a much-needed boost.
His arrival has prompted the departure of Steven Adshead after six seasons at Nevil Road.
Former New Zealand international Craig Spearman, who made the county's record score of 341 against Middlesex in 2004 but became a peripheral figure last season, has also left.
Batsman Grant Hodnett, all-rounder David Brown and seam bowler Tom Stayt are the other members of the 2009 squad to have been released.
Left-arm paceman David Payne, who has represented England at Under 19 level, and all-rounder Chris Dent have been promoted from the county's academy on two-year contracts.
New Zealand all-rounder James Franklin returns as their overseas player and will be available throughout the campaign.
Summer forecast
An improved showing from the top order would likely result in Gloucestershire being promotion contenders in the Championship as they certainly possess the ammunition to bowl sides out twice.
Franklin and youngster Ian Saxelby provide solid back-up seam options but the main burden is sure to again fall on deadly duo Lewis and Kirby.
Left-arm spinner Vikram Banerjee provides a useful change of pace and, as the summer wears on and pitches dry out, will get through plenty overs.
Bracewell will be hoping to work some of the old magic in the one-day arena - although the squad does not look well suited for the shorter formats.
David Fulton's one to watch...Ian Saxelby
Saxelby is another player with strong family links to the game, as his uncles Kevin and Mark both enjoyed decent first-class careers. The former England Under 19 bowler is being talked up by a lot of shrewd judges around the county circuit.
