Mark Hardinges made his first class debut in 1999 (Getty)

All-rounder Mark Hardinges is among four players who have not been offered a new contract by Gloucestershire.

Ian Fisher, Carl Greenidge and Will Rudge will also be released, as incoming director of cricket John Bracewell prepares for next season.

"I'm in regular dialogue with John and it's important we give him the squad he wants," chief executive Tom Richardson told BBC Radio Bristol.

"None of the decisions are easy, and we hope they find new counties."

Hardinges took 42 wickets across all competitions last season, hitting a total of 744 runs.

Fisher joined Gloucestershire in 2002 , helping them gain promotion to Division One of the Championship the following year.

We're already on the path of looking at new players. Chief Executive Tom Richardson

Greenidge, son of former West Indies Test legend Gordon, took 28 wickets in the County Championship last season, while Rudge has worked his way through the age group squads before making his county debut in 2005.

Although Bracewell does not return to take up his role as director of cricket until next April, Richardson admits that the New Zealander is already having a big say in next season's plans.

"We are already on the path of looking at new players, and giving counties 28 days' notice," he added. "We've had a meeting and went through in detail the direction we want to head.

"We wanted to let the players know early and we thank them for all their efforts for Gloucestershire and wish them well."

Meanwhile, Ian Saxelby is making his debut for Gloucestershire in the current Championship match against Middesex, which began on Friday.

The 19-year-old seamer has been on trial with the county from Nottinghamshire, for whom his uncle Kevin used to play.