ANDREW Gale has revealed the prospect of coaching Yorkshire has helped him regain lost love for the game of cricket.

Gale says a run of poor form with the bat last season hit him hard but the thought of being Jason Gillespie's successor excited him greatly.

The 32-year-old yesterday replaced the Australian on a three-year contract and, as a result, he has called time on a playing career which included a first-team debut in 2002.

"I got to the point where I wasn't enjoying playing last year," said the two-time County Championship-winning captain.

"But I got a very good feel when I drove into the ground last week thinking I'll be head coach. It really excited me and I got that excitement back for the game.

"It was a tough decision but it seemed to tick more positive boxes than negatives."

The likes of Alex Lees and Gary Ballance are candidates to replace Gale as captain, although the new coach will not be rushed over a decision.

Director of cricket Martyn Moxon considered 16 applicants for the role but plumped for Cleckheaton star Gale on the grounds of continuity – despite him not actually applying for the role.

"We've got a good thing going," said Gale, who founded the Pro Coach Cricket Academy business in 2006.

"We've had a little bit of success and we want to keep that continuity with the leadership group. That was Martyn's reason for offering the job.

"I know the players well and what it takes to win trophies and that gives me an advantage.

"It came slightly earlier than I would have anticipated. I haven't got the experience a lot of the other candidates had but I know the club inside out.

"I'm a very passionate Yorkshireman. I think that's showed in my captaincy."

Gale was given the thumbs up on social media by a number of his players, while Gillespie described it as a great appointment.

The new coach said: "It's a massive honour and privilege to take over Dizzy's job. They're big shoes to fill,but I'm really excited."

There will not be any more major changes to the coaching staff this winter but Rich Pyrah is set to take on a more prominent role with the first team.

Gale has plenty of coaching experience below senior level due to his involvement with Pro Coach, which concentrates on junior and age-group cricket.

Moxon said: "I don't think it's a gamble. Others have gone straight from playing into coaching. I did it myself in the late 1990s.

"He's got such respect from within that group of players and it'll almost just be carrying on from what he's done as captain, although he'll not be on the field leading them.

"I don't see any risk at all. In fact, it's probably even less risk than bringing someone new in.

"That's no disrespect to anybody who applied,but the fact Galey knows the environment should make it a seamless transition."

Both Gale and Moxon spoke yesterday about the role being in two parts – the short-term drive for success and then the transition from a senior squad to a younger one.

"Having thought about it long and hard and discussed it with a few people, it became pretty clear the right man was at the club already," said Moxon.

"All things considered, I think he's perfect for the job."