Radford lands Middlesex job

Toby Radford

Toby Radford has been appointed Middlesex coach on a permanent basis.

The ex-Academy director, who filled the role of caretaker coach following Richard Pybus’ departure midway through last season, impressed sufficiently to land the post on a longer-term basis.

Radford led Middlesex to promotion from NatWest Pro40 Division Two, and a third-placed finish in the LV County Championship Second Division after Pybus left in July.

News of his appointment came on the day that Middlesex confirmed Ed Smith will captain the side again in 2008.

They will work alongside John Emburey, who will continue as director of cricket.

Chief executive Vinny Coddrington said: “We have reviewed the 2007 season in detail and are extremely confident that the Ed and Toby partnership that was so successful after the unfortunate departure of Richard Pybus, is the way forward.

“We feel that we can achieve our 2008 objectives with this team, under the direction of John Emburey.”

Smith added: “We hoped to gain double promotion last summer. We achieved that goal in the NatWest Pro40 and missed out by only one place in the LV County Championship.

“We are determined to build on our success in the second half of 2007, when Toby Radford was coach, and continue to improve performances in 2008.

“I'm already looking forward to the challenges of next season.”