Emburey has spent most of his cricket career at Lord's

Former England spinner John Emburey has quit his job as Middlesex's director of cricket after just 11 months.

The 55-year-old played for the club for most of his career and later returned as coach after a spell with Northants.

He was elevated to director of cricket last year, but now wants to revert to a more hands-on coaching role.

"John's role was becoming more administrative, taking him away from the area where his strengths lay," said chief executive Vinny Codrington.

"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.

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"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."

Emburey switched to director of cricket in February 2007 when Richard Pybus was appointed as Middlesex's first-team coach, but last summer travelled to India to be interviewed for the post of head coach of the national team.

He was unsuccessful, but afterwards insisted he had not wanted the job, saying: "I have just got my teeth into a big new challenge at Middlesex and want to stay to complete the job and extend my 36-year association with the club."

Emburey has, however, now changed his mind, with Radford having been confirmed as Middlesex's new first team coach three months ago.

"I've really enjoyed my time here, but I want to continue my career in a direct coaching role," he commented.