ESSEX today announced that Billy Godleman and Michael Comber have been released by the club.

Godleman, 23, joined the county from Middlesex in 2009 and has made 69 first-class appearances. The left-handed batsman has played seven first-class matches this season for Essex, hitting a century versus Gloucestershire on the opening day of the season.

Godleman, who plays his club cricket for Wivenhoe in the Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Championship, said: “I am sad and disappointed to be leaving Essex, since joining from Middlesex three seasons ago. However, I have loved playing for the county, and have made some special friends amongst players, staff, members and supporters.

“I wish all the players well as they strive to make Essex the successful County Cricket Club it aspires to be, and look forward to the opportunity of establishing myself at a new club, where I hope to fulfil all of my ambitions, on and off the field of play.”

Twenty-two-year-old Comber made his way through the Essex academy making his first-class debut for the club in 2010 versus Bangladesh. Comber has been an ever-present player in the Essex 2nd XI team with his final competitive match coming against Somerset in the Second XI Trophy at Coggeshall in July 2012.

Comber, who plays his club cricket for Clacton in the Gibbs Denley East Anglian Premier League and has played for Suffolk under a dual registration when available by Essex during the last two years, made 13 appearances for the Essex first team during his career.

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: “This is a time when we have to release players from the club and it is never an easy decision to make.

“The club and I would like to thank both players for their commitment and effort throughout their careers for the county. They are good lads and we wish them all the best for the future.”