"It is a place that I hold extremely close to my heart": Richard Johnson returns to Middlesex

Stuart Law's successor has finally been confirmed by the Lord's-based county after a lengthy recruitment process

Middlesex have confirmed the appointment of their new first-team coach, with Richard Johnson returning after leaving Surrey.

The 46-year-old enjoyed a 10-year playing career at the club and then occupied several coaching roles including shortly as head coach in 2018.

Johnson departed following the appointment of Stuart Law but he is back for another spell as the Australian's successor. He will begin the role in mid-February ahead of the upcoming 2022 season.

Confirmation of the deal, which was revealed by The Cricketer earlier on Thursday, draws a line under an extensive recruitment process that has come amid a major restructure at Middlesex.

Recent months has seen Alan Coleman installed as head of men's performance cricket and Rory Coutts added as club coach.

^{Johnson took 411 wickets for Middlesex across the formats (Stu Forster/Getty Images)}

“I feel incredibly honoured to be given the chance to be the first team coach of this amazing club," said Johnson, who will be reunited with many players who he helped develop during his first coaching spell at Lord's.

"It is a place that I hold extremely close to my heart, having been associated with the club since I was 10 years old.

“The opportunity to return and give my all in trying to make Middlesex successful again is one that not only excites me but makes me incredibly proud."

He added on his Surrey departure after three years at The Oval: "It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to this great club, I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time here.

“I will always feel privileged to have been given the chance to coach at such a fantastic club and will cherish the great times and relationships I have built there over the years."