Yorkshire’s Chris Taylor has retired from professional cricket to concentrate on running his Pro Coach Cricket Academy.

Taylor, 28, had one year left on his existing deal at Headingley, but his progress has been hampered by a series of injuries over the past two seasons since returning to the club from Derbyshire.

In fact, he only played four first-class matches in the last two seasons – and they were all in 2008.

He said: “I have had ten thoroughly enjoyable seasons as a professional cricketer with both Yorkshire and Derbyshire.

“Following my successful stint with Derbyshire I genuinely thought I could make a real impact back at Yorkshire. However, I have been somewhat disappointed not to have played more first-team cricket.

“That said, I do realise there are some very exciting young cricketers at the club, and it is unlikely I will get any first XI opportunities in 2010. The last thing I want is to block the development of talented young cricketers making their way in the game.”

Taylor, who made his first-class debut in 2001, also represented England under-17s and U19s.

He scored 2,510 runs in all forms of the game, including three first-class and two one-day centuries.

Yorkshire chief executive Stewart Regan said: “Chris is a great guy, and I am sorry that he has not had the breaks he needed to establish himself in our first team.”

Taylor set up the academy with new Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale, who will take a back seat in the running of the business.

Gale added: “Chris will look after the day-to-day running of the business, while I will still do some coaching more on an appearance basis.”

For more information on the academy visit www.procricketcoaching academy.com