FORMER Pudsey Congs and Bowling Old Lane all-rounder James Middlebrook has been released by Northamptonshire.

Relegated Northants had already confirmed that former captain Andrew Hall and Matt Spriegel will be leaving at the end of the season, while veteran batsman David Sales has announced his retirement.

The clear-out is to continue with the departure of 37-year-old Pudsey man Middlebrook, who joined Northants in 2010 after stints with his native Yorkshire and then Essex.

Middlebrook, who is part of the Northants side currently taking on Sussex at Hove, has taken more than 450 first-class wickets and made ten centuries.

Northants coach David Ripley said: "These are always difficult decisions to make, regarding players' futures.

"We would like to place on record our thanks to James for the contribution he has made throughout his time at Wantage Road and, in particular, for the leadership role he has taken during what has been a particularly difficult season.

"He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at the club."