Essex have announced that head coach Paul Grayson has left the club by mutual consent.

The 44-year-old brings to an end a 19-year association with the county as player and coach, having joined them in 1996.

He made 138 first-class appearances for Essex, which included a spell as captain, before being appointed head coach in 2007.

During his time in charge, the team won the Friends Provident Trophy in 2008 and promotion to Division One of the County Championship a year later.

"I have had 19 wonderful years at Essex CCC, both as a player and as a coach, but I now feel the time is right for a new challenge," he told the club's official website.

"I would like to thank the cricket committee for their trust and support over the years, in particular John Faragher, Graham Gooch, David Acfield, Keith Fletcher and Nigel Hilliard. A special thank you to Graham Saville, who brought me to Essex and has showed loyal support to me, for which I will always be grateful.

"I would also like to thank the coaching staff and medical team for all their loyalty and hard work. Finally to my wife and family, for all their love and support during my cricketing career. I'd like to wish the club all the best for the future."

Chris Silverwood, who was Grayson's assistant at Chelmsford, will take temporary charge until the end of the season.