Emburey and Middlesex part company

	John Emburey and Graham Ford in Chennai last June when Emburey was interviewed for the vacant post of coach to the Indian side © AFP Enlarge

"John's role as director of cricket was becoming more administrative, taking him away from the area of the game where his strengths lay," explained Vinny Codrington, the county's chief executive. "After lengthy discussions with the club, and a full review of our cricket structure, it was mutually agreed that John pursue his ambitions in coaching. He leaves behind a strong coaching team, led by Toby Radford, and a squad under Ed Smith more than capable of competing for all four domestic competitions. The club's cricket structure has a solid base for an exciting future and we are very grateful to John for this.

"John was open and honest throughout as he always is, and I'm certain we will see plenty of him in the summer and in the future".

Emburey has spent the bulk of his career with Middlesex, firstly as a player and then, after stints with Northamptonshire and Berkshire, as a coach. In 2001 he signed to coach Berkshire with the intention of emigrating to Australia at the end of the summer, but on the eve of the season he was appointed as Middlesex's third coach in as many seasons, taking over from old team-mate Mike Gatting.

In six years he struggled to motivate a side in transition, bringing in some distinctly average players as well, and at the end of 2006 the county were relegated from the top flight in both the Championship and National League. In 2007 Middlesex brought in Richard Pybus to coach with Emburey moving to the more hands-off role as director of cricket, but when Pybus unexpectedly quit five months into his contract, Emburey returned. In between he had briefly - and remarkably - been shortlisted for the India coaching vacancy

Last autumn Middlesex appointed former player Toby Radford as first-team coach, signalling another move to a less hands-on role for Emburey, and it appears to have been that which led to today's announcement.

"I've really enjoyed my time here, but I want to continue my career in a direct coaching role," Emburey said in a short statement. "I believe I leave the club in great shape and look forward to the club's success in the future".