LONDON (Reuters)
Former England captain Graham Gooch will take over from one of his predecessors Keith Fletcher as coach of first division Essex next month.

Essex are likely to be relegated to the second division after a fraught season and may also lose their overseas player Stuart Law. Australian Law has expressed public dissatisfaction with the club's lack of success and said he would be interested in a move to Lancashire.

"I am delighted the club have asked me to take on this hugely challenging role," Gooch told SkySports.com. "It is quite clear the playing squad needs to be strengthened this winter and we will be doing our utmost to ensure that performances on the field in 2002 are greatly improved."

Fletcher, who captained England on their 1981-82 tour of India, will now oversee the introduction of a new structure at the county.

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