IN THE week that has seen legendary coach John Bracewell depart to his native New Zealand for good, Gloucestershire CCC have begun the almighty rebuilding job that undoubtedly lies ahead.

Bracewell's new position as national coach of the Kiwis began officially on Saturday, and the club are now ready to combat suggestions that the loss of the cricketing director will trigger a decline in the team's fortunes.

As the season came to an end in September, Bracewell's decision to leave the County Ground was followed by news of key players Ian Harvey and Jonty Rhodes both calling time on their Gloucestershire careers. The end of a golden era seemed to be on the horizon.

However, the rebuilding job has already begun, with Gloucestershire recently unveiling their first signing of the post-Bracewell era, and two favourites have already emerged as a possible overseas duo to replace the celebrated Harvey/Rhodes pairing.

Wicketkeeper/batsman Steve Adshead has been drafted in following the club's recent decision to release deputy keeper Stephen Pope. The 23-year-old right hander will serve as understudy to County Ground great Jack Russsell who, at 40, has just celebrated his 22nd season at the club, and who continues to be linked to the vacant head coach role.

Adshead, who has signed a one-year contract as cover for Russell, played for Leicestershire from 2000 to 2002, where he played just one first-class match and a handful of one-day games, before moving to the county of his birth, Worcestershire, this season.

He appeared in two Championship matches at New Road, standing in for Steve Rhodes, and scored 63 against Glamorgan at Cardiff before losing his place to James Pipe. He has a first-class average of 25 (and 30 in limited overs), but is also regarded as an emerging young keeper and one who may flourish under the expert guidance of Russell. Pope was released because it was believed that he was unable to bat in the top eight, so Adshead may well fill the role of worthy batsman, deputy keeper as well as potential successor to Russell's crown.

These first few steps of rebuilding were complimented recently when New Zealand-born opener Craig Spearman signed up for another two years at the County Ground as a part of the team's immense batting firepower. This move was vital at a time when the club were losing two of its key performers, and Spearman's consistency and coolness will be a priceless asset to next year's team.

Meanwhile, the names of Pakistan spinner Shoaib Malik and Australian seamer Andy Bichel are being banded about as the new possible overseas pairing for next season, with Malik a hot favourite having spent a spell at Gloucestershire in the summer as cover for Harvey.

But the biggest vacancy of all remains the one at the top, with Bracewell's successor still unknown, although the fans' favourite appears to be Russell, the club's most enduring son.

The draw for round two of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy 2004, in which 14 non first-class teams mix with the 18 first-class counties, will see Gloucestershire begin their defence of the Trophy away from home in a game against Holland. The match is to be played on Wednesday, May 5.

Gloucestershire are also announcing the One Day International ticket prices : for the England v New Zealand game that will grace the County Ground next year. The match, set for July 4, will be a part of the 2004 Natwest Series.