Permanent Essex move for Godleman

Billy Godleman, seen here sharing a stand with Phillip Hughes, lost his place in the Middlesex team earlier this year

Billy Godleman has left Middlesex and signed a three-year deal with Essex until the end of the 2012 season.

Godleman, 20, who struck a loan deal with Essex to the end of this season last week, turned down a new two-year deal at Lord’s.

Essex were keen to tie up a top-order replacement for the veteran former England batsman Jason Gallian, who has decided to retire from the game.

Godleman said: “I am looking forward to my time with Essex. I am keen to get into the side and make some good contributions with the bat and I hope to contribute to winning some games of cricket in all formats.

“I spent yesterday (Sunday) watching the game against Worcestershire at Colchester, the vibes in the dressing room are good, although it was obviously a disappointing ending.

“I know most of the players from my time with Middlesex and have been made to feel very welcome by everyone. One of my good friends in the game is Tom Westley, it will be good to link up with him.”

Essex first-team coach Paul Grayson said: “Billy is a player we targeted earlier in the season; he is a player I have known for a few years.

“He ticks many boxes for us. He is left-handed, English and extremely driven and motivated. With the retirement of Jason Gallian, Billy is the ideal replacement. He has clear goals for his career and we hope we can help to achieve them at Essex.”