The former Test captain, who retired from playing at the end of last season after 23 years, will have full control of the coaching from under-17s to the first XI.

Gatting takes up his new post with immediate effect from John Buchanan who had a brief and unsuccessful spell at Lord's.

Gatting said: "It is a much larger role than I originally envisaged. I am very excited about the opportunity to take Middlesex back to the top of the county game."

Middlesex club chairman Alan Moss said that Buchanan's new ideas would help Gatting who officially took up his post on Thursday.

Moss said: "John did a very difficult job extremely well. It is a great pity after the immense effort that has been put into the coaching methods, that given the difficulties this season, we mutually agreed it was in the best interests of both parties not to take up the second year option.