Graham Napier says he would love to finish his successful career with a bang – by helping Essex win promotion.

The Colchester-born all-rounder will retire from the professional game at the end of the forthcoming 2016 season, bringing down the curtain on a productive 19-year career in three formats of the game.

Former Gilberd School pupil Napier, who has played more than 150 First Class matches for Essex, will become director of the Suffolk-based Royal Hospital School’s Graham Napier Cricket Academy, which launches in September.

But before that, the 36-year-old wants to sign off in style and help his county make it back up to County Championship division one.

Napier told the Daily Gazette: “The season ahead is more important than ever.

“The focus is on helping Essex get promoted up to division one and helping us win trophies and it would be great to go out with a bang.

“There’s been changes at the club and I’ll try and help our new head coach Chris Silverwood as much as possible with his new role, on and off the field.”

Napier has revealed he had contemplated retirement for some time – and admits it is a relief to finally confirm his decision to bow out.

“It was quite an emotional decision but I feel like I have a weight off my shoulders now that it’s been made and it’s out in the open,” said Napier, who made his debut back in 1997.

“Retirement had been in the back of my mind, so when the offer came along it was a huge relief and I’m really looking forward to working in a fantastic role at a fantastic school.

“It’s a new position and a lot of it is going into the unknown but I was interested straight away.

“I’ve been a professional cricketer for 19 years but when something arrives like this, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Napier achieved much during his career - including equalling his own world record of 16 sixes in an innings after making 196 against Surrey in 2011 - but he admits there are certain moments that stand out more than others.

He added: “There are so many great memories.

“There was the 2008 (Friends Provident Trophy) Final at Lord’s and the 152 I scored against Sussex, which I’m sure a lot of people will remember me for.

“There was also the four wickets in four balls against Surrey but my personal favourite was taking out Ricky Ponting’s middle stump (in 2013).

“I’ve been very fortunate to have played with the fantastic players that I’ve played with over the years – I met some fantastic characters and built some great friendships.”