FAST bowler Steve Kirby, who caused a stir by quitting Yorkshire at the end of last season, was poised to sign for Gloucestershire today.

Although Kirby was unavailable for comment, speculation was mounting that Gloucestershire are about to announce that the 27-year-old paceman will be joining the West Country club next summer.

Kirby refused to elaborate on his exact reasons for asking to be released from his contract with Yorkshire but he said that he hoped he would be able to go on and realise his ambitions to play for England when he joined a new county.

Gloucestershire, who this year went on to retain the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy after overpowering Yorkshire in their semi-final clash at Bristol, are an ambitious club and they are determined to challenge for honours next season in both the first division of the Championship and the totesport League.

Kirby has just experienced an indifferent season with Yorkshire but he was still their leading fast bowler in the Championship with 31 dismissals and if he can regain his best form for Gloucestershire then he will be an extremely useful asset.

Yorkshire have still not announced a replacement for Kirby but director of cricket, David Byas, acknowledges that it is of paramount importance that they manage to sign at least one new fast bowler.

Updated: 10:15 Tuesday, October 12, 2004