Cricket Ireland have announced the appointment of experienced New Zealander John Bracewell as the new head coach of the Irish cricket team.
The former Black Caps boss replaces hugely popular Trinidad and Tobago native, Phil Simmons who left last month to take the West Indies top job.
Subject to work permit approval, Bracewell has signed a deal that will take him until the end of 2017 and his position will be reviewed following the completion of the ICC Intercontinental Cup.
The 57-year-old takes over at a crucial time for the sport in Ireland and is seen as the ideal man to help reach the target of Test cricket for Ireland by 2019.
Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth welcomed the new head coach to the set-up and was quick to highlight his knowledge of the international game.
“John has substantial international experience, not only playing in 41 Tests and 53 ODIs, but also as New Zealand coach in 41 Tests and 106 ODI's over five years.
"During his tenure the Black Caps qualified for three semi-finals in ICC global events, while he also won six trophies with Gloucestershire."
Holdsworth believes Bracewell's experience will be hugely beneficial to the current crop of Irish international stars as well as the furture stars of the Irish game.
"We feel John's knowledge gained over a 25-year period in the first-class game will help further develop our current players, but also ensure succession planning for our future squad who aim to be playing Test cricket by 2019.
"We believe John's strong work ethic and great understanding of players as people as well as cricketers will help not just the Ireland team, but our pathway players aspiring to wear the Ireland shirt in all formats on the world stage in the future."
Bracewell is relishing the challenge of helping Ireland achieve Test status.
"There is nothing I enjoy more than fighting for a cause, and in cricket terms there is none better than obtaining test status.
"Already Ireland have achieved tremendous international results given its financial resources and has gained respect at international tournaments, to the point where they are no longer regarded as a banana skin match but true qualifying contenders."
He feels his experience with the New Zealand team will serve Ireland well.
“I recently presented at the Irish coaching conference and listened to the passion not only for the game but for hard work coming from current and former players, and the parallels with my New Zealand cricket journey really resonated with me."
Ireland captain William Porterfield feels it's a great appointment and has worked with Bracewell before.
"His vast experience in all formats of the game both internationally and domestically will stand us in great stead, especially as we build towards our goal of Test cricket.
"He improved my game tremendously when I worked with him at Gloucestershire, and I'm certain he will fit in really well in Ireland where the squad will relish the opportunity to work with him."
Assistant Coach and Performance Analyst Peter Johnston will lead the Ireland coaching team for the Royal London One-Day International against England next week with Bracewell at the game in an observation capacity.
His first match as Head Coach will be the home InterContinental Cup game against the UAE starting on June 2nd, subject to receiving a work permit.
