Gloucestershire skipper Alex Gidman believes Jonathan Batty will provide much-needed stability at the top of the batting order.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Batty yesterday completed his long-anticipated move from Surrey to the County Ground, penning a three-year deal which will keep him in Bristol until the end of the 2012 season.

Gidman is adamant the new arrival will give excellent value for money.

He said: "Because of our financial situation, we knew we could only make one big signing this winter. We needed to make it a good one and Jon fits the bill.

"I'm excited he is coming to us because he is a very experienced cricketer with a proven track record.

"Not only is he a talented wicketkeeper in his own right, he is also a very capable opening batsman, who has played that dual role very successfully for Surrey for a number of years."

Gloucestershire CCC first approached 35-year-old Batty when Surrey signed up-and- coming wicketkeeper-batsman Steven Davies from Worcestershire towards the end of last season.

Batty will replace Steve Adshead, who was released earlier this week, behind the stumps, and will also provide competition at the top of the order.

Gidman explained: "It's like signing two players in one. Opening the batting and keeping wicket is a demanding role, but it is one Jon enjoys and wants to continue doing.

"He needs to be playing at this stage of his career rather than fighting for a place at Surrey and I think coming to us was an easy decision for him to make.

"He was impressed with John Bracewell (director of cricket) and the plans we have for the future.

"I think a signing of this calibre proves our ambition as a club and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Gloucestershire CCC just missed out on promotion from Division Two of the County Championship last season and Gidman believes the recruitment of Batty, along with the retention of overseas all-rounder James Franklin, will enable the county to mount another sustained challenge in 2010.

"The likes of Somerset, Durham and Nottinghamshire have two or three decent all-rounders in their line-ups and they benefit from the balance that gives them," he added.

"I believe Jon will fit perfectly into our side and help us in terms of balance and stability. We've missed an experienced old head at the top of the order since Craig Spearman stopped playing regularly and Jon will help our young batsmen improve. In that respect, he will be a good signing both on and off the field."