The England and Wales Cricket Board have begun the search for a new fast bowling coach following the departure of Ottis Gibson.

Gibson left the role he has held since 2007 to take over as head coach of the West Indies.

The ECB this afternoon issued statement confirming Barbados-born Gibson had been released from his contract.

England head coach Andy Flower said: "Ottis has been a valuable member of my management team and we will all be sorry to see him leave.

"However we recognise that being offered the chance to be head coach of your country was an offer that would be hard for Ottis to resist. We wish him well in the future."

Gibson, 40, played two Tests and 15 one-day internationals for the West Indies but it was his performances on the county circuit for Durham that brought him to England's attention.

Managing director of England cricket Hugh Morris said: "We are extremely grateful to Ottis for his hard work as England fast bowling coach.

"Since becoming the full-time England fast bowling coach in 2007 he has contributed so much to the success of the team and was an integral part of the Ashes-winning backroom staff last summer.

"There has been much speculation in the last few days about the role of fast bowling coach but now Ottis has confirmed his departure, Andy Flower and I will begin the process of identifying the right individual who can join the England set up and build on the foundation laid by Ottis."

Gibson follows the example of another former England fast bowling coach, Australian Troy Cooley, in returning to take up a position in his homeland.

Two of his predecessors in the role, Allan Donald and Kevin Shine, have been mentioned as possible successors. Shine continues to work for the ECB at development level.

Gibson takes over as West Indies coach from the sacked John Dyson and will start with a Twenty20 international against Zimbabwe on February 28 followed by a series of five ODIs.

David Williams will remain in charge as interim coach for intervening matches against Australia.

Gibson said: "I will always be grateful to the ECB for the opportunities they gave me as a bowling coach and in particular to (former head coach) Peter Moores for offering the role as England fast bowling coach.

"I would like to thank Andy Flower as well for all the advice, encouragement and support he has given me in the last year. It was a privilege to be a part of such an outstanding and successful team."

England will now consider their options for the forthcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh.