Ground Development Holds Key To Future - JB
21 November 2012
John Bracewell has spoken of his optimism for the future of Gloucestershire cricket now that the new ground development project at Nevil Road is well underway.
The County Ground is a mass of scaffolding at the moment as work progresses towards transforming the Pavilion End and building the 147 apartments, which are part of the exciting scheme.
Director of Cricket Bracewell has become used to working with a necessarily restricted playing budget, but believes the increased income from the new facilities can help the county compete with their more affluent rivals.
He said: "It takes financial resources to invest in cricket. The recession and the delays to our ground development plans have affected our ability to hold onto our best players and therefore our performances on the field.
"Now we can start to move forward. We have a duty to our young players to help them become successful in an ambitious set-up and this ground project gives us a vision of ambition.
"When you have an up-to-date ground you are more attractive to players and to sponsors. I want people to come here and see that our facilities are not tired.
"As cricketers, we have been in a holding pattern for the past four years. This is the start of changing perceptions of the club by demonstrating visually that we are an ambitious county.
"A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into getting the development plans across the line. The building of our future relied on that happening."
John also believes the ground development will enable the club to stage One-Day Internationals on a regular basis, despite increased competition.
"This is Bristol's only International stadium and the cash injection into our budget that holding ODIs provides is hugely important," he said.
