Grayson's side have picked up 31 batting points this season

Essex coach Paul Grayson has targeted their batting as an area for attention before next season.

After defeat by Warwickshire ended their chances of promotion to Division One of the County Championship, Grayson said he knew where they could improve.

"We've lacked batting points all season and already we're looking to address this with the signings of John Maunders and Matthew Walker," he told BBC Essex.

"They're experienced left-handers who are good signings for next year."

Despite missing out on promotion, Grayson was able to reflect on a successful season for his side.

It saw them win the Pro40 Division Two and Friends Provident Trophy competitions, and they also made it through to the Twenty20 Cup finals day.

"I think we've been outstanding this year, where we've competed in all four competitions," he said.

"We've got quite a small squad and I think to achieve what we have this year has been excellent.

"In the Championship we've not been quite as consistent as we'd like to have been on the batting front, but it's been a really good season on the whole."

Essex conclude their season with a trip to bottom side Gloucestershire on Wednesday.