NORTHANTS Cricket have strengthened their squad for the 2010 season by signing experienced all-rounder James Middlebrook and hard-hitting batsman Paul Harrison on one year contracts.

Head Coach David Capel sees the pair as valuable additions to his County Ground squad as he aims to build upon a season of encouraging progress in 2009 and both players will give him more options in key departments.

Middlebrook is an off-spinner and solid lower order batsman who has proved to be a reliable performer in all formats of the game during an eight year spell with Essex, while Harrison made his mark as an attacking batsman who featured in the Leicestershire side that won the Twenty20 Cup in the 2006 season.

"I'm sure both players will be valuable additions to our squad and they will provide us with what we need," commented Capel. "James offers useful variety to our bowling department as an off-spinner, and will compliment Nicky Boje's slow left arm style. He is also a very useful batsman and competitive fielder.

"Paul adds strength in depth in the batting and wicketkeeping departments, which will be necessary through Niall O'Brien having increased international duties to fulfil and David Murphy being away at University early on.

"Paul impressed us last season while playing for the 2nd XI and he could become a very important member of our squad."

Middlebrook has claimed over 300 wickets and scored more than 4,000 runs in the first class game while he has made valuable all-round contributions in both one-day matches and the shorter Twenty20 format.

" I can't wait to get stuck in, prove myself as a valuable team member and play a key role in the success of the club," said the 32-year-old Yorkshireman who had four years at Headingley at the start of his career.

"I'm in my prime as a spinning all rounder, and have a wealth of skill and experience which I want to put to good use."

Harrison, who was released by Leicestershire at the end of the 2007 season, has been offered terms after impressing with consistent performances last season. He played on a trial basis in the 2nd XI which subsequently led to two first class appearances and he is anxious to make the most of another chance in the game.

"I'm thrilled to be given this chance to play professional cricket again," he said. "I am determined to make the most of this opportunity and push to play more regularly in the first team. I can't wait to prove my worth to Northants."