GLOUCESTERSHIRE CCC have announced that Mark Alleyne has signed a new four-year contract to continue as player-coach.

The legendary captain and all-rounder put pen to paper last week to commit his immediate future to the club that he has been a part of for almost 20 years.

At a time when the club is being flooded with a host of new winter signings, the renewal of Alleyne's contract could not be more significant as Gloucestershire prepare to begin a new era with their new look squad.

The club's chief executive, Tom Richardson, emphasised the importance of the new contract in an official statement, explaining: "It is important for our longer term aspirations that we have key people in place and we are delighted that Mark Alleyne has committed himself to the club in this way.

"A number of senior players have made longer term commitments to the club and it is excellent news that we will have someone of Mark's quality leading them."

Alleyne, 36, added: "I am glad to have the opportunity to try to maintain the recent momentum of the club and look forward to developing the club yet further."

Alleyne's illustrious Gloucestershire career began way back in 1986 after his arrival from Haringey Cricket College. Awarded the county's captaincy in 1997, he has led the side to seven one-day titles and has represented England on several occasions having twice captained the England A team.

Undoubtedly Gloucestershire's most successful captain of all time, Alleyne built up a legendary relationship with former head coach John Bracewell, which has been the key to the club's limited-overs successes in recent years.

When Bracewell vacated the position in November 2003, Alleyne was the natural choice to be his successor, and last year he enjoyed his first season as head coach, while continuing to captain the one-day side. Once again, the campaign was a successful one as Gloucestershire retained the C&G Trophy while finishing among the frontrunners in both the Frizzell County Championship and the Totesport National League.

Alleyne was also awarded an MBE last year in recognition of his services to cricket.

An inspirational figure and the team's natural leader, his re-signing has been seen as vital to Gloucestershire's future, and he can now concentrate on leading his side, which now includes many players signed by Alleyne himself, to further success.