BURNLEY chairman Michael Brown says he will take away many great memories after calling time on his 12 year professional cricket career this week.

The 31-year-old Surrey opener announced his retirement with immediate effect after a series of injuries – and while he will continue to play for Burnley when his commitments allow, he says he will miss his time at Surrey.

Brown was snapped up by Middlesex back in 1999 before playing for Hampshire ahead of his move to The Oval and he said: “As a child I wanted to be a professional cricketer.

“That was all I wanted to do and I feel lucky.

“I made my Championship debut for Middlesex at Lord’s. It doesn’t get much better than that. I walked out to bat and thought ‘Oh my God’.

“I was sitting in the same dressing room as Phil Tufnell, Mark Ramprakash and Mike Gatting – people I had grown up watching.

“I played in the same team at Shane Warne for five years and also played with Kevin Pietersen and Chris Tremlett is one of my best friends.

“So yes, while I am disappointed to have finished professionally I do consider myself to have been very lucky to have played for so long at that level.

“Unfortunately, the number of injuries I have experienced in the last 18 months have made it difficult for me to maintain the high standards I have always required of myself.

“I would have preferred not to have had to retire in the middle of a season but it was the right time.”

While Surrey have lost a supremely talented opening batsman, Burnley have gained a player – and Brown, right,who took over as Turf Moor chairman earlier this season, intends to continue turning out for his hometown club as much as possible.

“Obviously it depends on what happens work-wise in the future but I do hope to play on,” he said.

“If I am working in London I would be able to play a few Saturdays but not on Sundays as I would have to be travelling back down there.

“But if I am working in the North it could free up a few more.

“I am staying on as Burnley chairman and hoping to continue to develop the club as much as possible and looking further into the future.”

Surrey’s cricket manager Chris Adams paid a glowing tribute to the former QEGS pupil and said: “There is always sadness when any career comes to an end but Michael can be very proud of his achievements and that he was able to play the game at a level many are not fortunate enough to experience.

“On behalf of the team and club I would like to thank Michael for his efforts and contribution on and off the field.

“He leaves behind the impression of a hard working, honest, committed and intelligent lad, qualities which will stand him in great stead in his future ventures.”