Middlebrook had four years with Yorkshire at the start of his career

Northants have signed all-rounder James Middlebrook and batsman Paul Harrison on one-year deals.

Former Essex man Middlebrook, 32, is an off-spinner and lower order batsman with more than 300 wickets and 4,000 runs in first-class cricket.

Harrison was part of the Leicestershire side that won the Twenty20 Cup in 2006.

Northants coach David Capel said: "I'm sure both players will be valuable additions to our squad and they will provide us with what we need."

He added: "James offers useful variety to our bowling department as an off-spinner, and will compliment Nicky Boje's slow left arm style.

"He is also a very useful batsman and competitive fielder."

Paul impressed us last season while playing for the second XI and he could become a very important member of our squad David Capel on Paul Harrison

Harrison, 25, was released by Leicestershire at the end of the 2007 season and has been offered a deal at Wantage Road after impressing on trial last season, during which time he played for the Northants second XI and made two first-class appearances.

"Paul adds strength in depth in the batting and wicket-keeping departments," said Capel.

"That will be necessary through Niall O'Brien having increased international duties to fulfil and David Murphy being away at University early on.

"Paul impressed us last season while playing for the second XI and he could become a very important member of our squad."

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