Bobby Dawson and four other players are to be released at the end of the season.

Dawson, batsman Nick Trainor, former Worcestershire player Matthew Church and young local players Martin Coombes and Paul Lazenbury all have contracts that are due to run out and will not offered new ones.

Dawson was unable to repeat his fine one-day batting of last year and after playing the first six National League games, was dropped. His average in that competition is 18.67. Dawson has only made one first class appearance this season and has been axed aged 29 to make way for younger players.

John Bracewell in this season's Super Cup final programme said that Dawson 'underestimates his own ability' and 'the potential is certainly there' but he and Gloucestershire will now part company.

None of the others to be released have made first team appearances this season.

Cunliffe, Cawdron, Hardinges and Averis are expected to sign the contracts they have been offered and discussions are continuing with Jon Lewis.