Tuesday 23 September 2014 12:35, UK
Northants have continued their squad overhaul for the 2015 season by releasing all-rounder James Middlebrook.
Middlebrook joins Matt Spriegel in being released by the county, who are also losing stalwart David Sales to retirement at the end of the season.
The Steelbacks agreed last week to sign Leicestershire all-rounder Josh Cobb ahead of their bid to reclaim Division One status - they have endured a nightmare 2014 campaign which has seen them relegated well before the end of the season.
Middlebrook, 37, who joined Northants from Essex in 2010, has taken more than 450 wickets and scored 10 centuries during a 13-year first-class career.
Middlebrook said: "I would like to thank the Northants members who have made me feel most welcome during my time here and all the team mates with whom I have shared a dressing room. I wish them every good fortune as I now focus on the next stage of my career.”
Coach David Ripley said: "These are always difficult decisions to make, regarding players futures.
"We would like to place on record our thanks to James for the contribution he has made throughout his time at Wantage Road and, in particular, for the leadership role he has taken during what has been a particularly difficult season in 2014.
"He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club."
