Yorkshire have appointed their former off-spinner Richard Dawson as the club’s new second-team coach.

The ex-England Test player returns to Headingley from Gloucestershire, where he has been a specialist spin bowling and a one-day coach.

Dawson, capped seven times at Test level between 2001 and 2003 with 11 wickets, will take up his new post on April 1 having replaced the new Sri Lanka national team coach Paul Farbrace.

During his playing career, the 33-year-old from Doncaster won the County Championship with Yorkshire in 2001 and the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy in 2002.

“I am delighted to be working for Yorkshire,” said Dawson, who is heading out to the UAE later this week to help coach the England Under-19s squad at the World Cup as part of an England Performance Programme role.

“I enjoyed six years as a player at Headingley and had some great times, including winning a couple of trophies. To have the opportunity to return and be part of the coaching staff is a real honour and a fresh challenge that I’m relishing.

“Yorkshire have a number exciting prospects, and to be part of their development over the next few years will be a major part of my role.

“This is a club heading in the right direction. I look forward to working alongside Martyn (Moxon), Dizzy (Jason Gillespie), the players and the rest of the coaching set-up.”

Dawson, who took 199 wickets in 103 first-class matches, stressed his gratitude to Gloucestershire, where he finished his playing career in 2011.

“In particular, I would like to thank (first-team coach) John Bracewell for giving me an opportunity to develop as a coach,” he said.

“To spend time as the limited overs coach over the past couple of seasons has been massive in my coaching education, and I hope I can take that into my role with Yorkshire.

“I just can’t wait to get started and be part of a club that has a burning ambition of being very successful.”

Despite being one of the youngest coaches around at 33, Dawson already has plenty of experience under his belt, which excites the Yorkshire hierarchy.

Director of cricket Martyn Moxon admitted: “Richard greatly impressed on interview, and is highly thought of. He has been successful so far in his coaching.

“He will bring an understanding of what is required to become a Yorkshire cricketer. He will be a great asset in developing our players at all levels.”

Dawson’s return to Yorkshire will coincide with the opening day of the new season when the students of Leeds/Bradford MCC Universities visit Headingley for a three-day friendly.

He is part of a revamped backroom staff ahead of 2014, which includes the appointment of former White Rose left-arm spinner Ian Fisher as a strength and conditioning coach and ex-captain Anthony McGrath in a newly created player mentoring role.