Captain expects Gloucestershire's new coach to make a big impact
Jon Lewis believes new head coach Jack Russell will help Gloucestershire fulfil their untapped potential this season.
The Gladiators replaced Mark Alleyne in February after failing to make an impact domestically.
Alleyne's team finished third from bottom in the LV County Championship's second division and the coach's contract was cut short by a year as a result.
But Russell's subsequent appointment at the club where he spent his entire career has been met with real enthusiasm by the captain.
"He's always had great mental strength, Jack," Lewis told Sky Sports News.
"We've got some guys who've got some great ability and Jack was a guy who got the best out of himself, who pushed himself to the limit, was extremely committed and made a lot of sacrifices for cricket and that's what I want from my players."
Qualities
Russell helped build Gloucestershire into a one-day force in his time with the club and despite hanging up his gloves in 2004 he is eager to return.
"In the three or four years away from the game I've done a little bit of coaching around the country with wicketkeepers," he added.
"I was with the England team for a year and a half just working with Geraint Jones, so to actually come on a larger basis - down here at the County Ground - there' s a lot of great memories.
"I haven't been through the gate too many times over the last three or four years, but I'll be back here on a more regular basis now."
Gloucestershire are currently in pre-season training ahead of their season opener against Derbyshire on April 16.
