Batsman Fulton had been Kent captain for four years

Fulton said on Tuesday "it was time to go" after a difficult fourth season in charge at Canterbury.

The batsman passed the one-day captaincy to Matt Walker in July after losing his place in the side.

And he was widely criticised for the declaration agreement that saw Nottinghamshire beat Kent to secure the Championship title.

"I have much enjoyed my time as Kent captain and am obviously disappointed to have come so close to winning the Championship this year," he said.

"I believe the time has come for someone else to take on the challenges of the captaincy and I remain totally committed to playing my full part as a player in 2006."

Fulton, 33, was on the verge of England selection after an outstanding season in 2001.

But an accident when he was hit in the eye by a stump almost ended his career and his form has not been as impressive since.

This year he made 833 first-class runs at an average of 29.75 as Kent finished fifth in the Championship.

But it was the side's one-day form that was of most concern to the Kent administration.

Kent finished third-from-bottom in Division Two of the Totesport League, and suffered early elimination in the C&G Trophy.

"We are currently carrying out a full review of this year's performance with particular reference to our disappointing one-day record," said chairman of cricket, Graham Johnson.