WORCESTERSHIRE stalwart Daryl Mitchell says he is shocked and devastated after being sacked as captain at New Road.

The 32-year-old said it had been his “childhood dream” to skipper Worcestershire.

Mitchell admitted he was “bitterly disappointed” and “deeply hurt” by the decision to replace him after six years in the role.

In an open letter to members, supporters and the media, Mitchell has vowed to make it clear he is not “a quitter” and revealed he did not willingly stand down from the post.

Mitchell said he was “given the opportunity to resign” by director of cricket Steve Rhodes but “felt it was important everyone knew the truth.”

“Being sacked from my role as captain on Monday morning came as devastating news to me,” said Mitchell.

“This is certainly the most difficult thing I’ve had to deal with in my professional career.

“As you can probably imagine it came as quite a shock, I am bitterly disappointed and left deeply hurt by the decision.

“I informed the players and staff last night and their messages of support have been overwhelming.

“Knowing that my team mates share the shock and disappointment is of great comfort to me.

“2016 has been a difficult year for me with a lot on my plate off the field, poor form with the bat in the early part of the season and if I’m honest I haven’t been at my best as captain in certain parts of the year.

“However, I did feel things had turned the corner, I finished the season and well and after a freshen up over the winter I was looking forward to leading the team in competing for trophies in 2017. Unfortunately this was not to be.”

Mitchell replaced Vikram Solanki towards the end of the 2010 campaign.

Badsey-born Mitchell led Worcestershire to promotion at the end of the 2010 season and repeated the feat in 2014 in addition to reaching the quarter-finals of the NatWest T20 Blast on three occasions.

He revealed: “I was given the opportunity to resign but I felt it important everyone knew the truth and the one thing I certainly am not is a quitter.

“Although I disagree with the decision, I do fully respect it and know it has been made with the very best intentions for Worcestershire CCC moving forward.

“I’ve been in professional sport long enough to know, sometimes you just have to take things on the chin and move on."

Mitchell, who will be succeeded by all-rounder Joe Leach, formed a close working relationship with Rhodes, who has wielded the axe.

“I would like to thank Steve Rhodes for giving me the opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream of becoming captain of Worcestershire CCC,” said Mitchell.

“I guess like all dreams you have to wake up at some point. I would also like to thank all the players and the support staff for their efforts, the encouragement, help and guidance they’ve given me during my tenure as captain.

“To the members and supporters of our great club, I am unbelievably grateful for the support and solidarity you’ve shown to me and the team over the past six-and-a-half seasons."

Mitchell said he took over as skipper at tough time for the County and was "extremely proud" of his time in charge.

“I took over as captain at a difficult time for WCCC after a mass exodus of players and have nurtured a young team to the best of my abilities to reach this point. I am extremely proud of my achievements."

He added: “I will of course give my full backing to whoever takes over the reins and will help the group in any way I can moving forward.

“This pretty much covers all I want to say on the mater. I am choosing not to do any press interviews at this time.”