Darren Gough: Yorkshire appoint former captain as managing director of cricket | Cricket News

Darren Gough had two spells as a player at Headingley before retiring from cricket and starting a career in broadcasting; Martyn Moxon, Andrew Gale and all members of the coaching staff were among 16 people to leave Yorkshire last week amid the racism scandal involving Azeem Rafiq

Yorkshire have appointed former captain Darren Gough as their new managing director of cricket on an interim basis until the end of the 2022 season.

Ex-England bowler Gough, 51, had two spells as a player at Headingley before retiring from cricket and starting a career in broadcasting.

Former director of cricket Martyn Moxon, first team coach Andrew Gale and all members of the coaching staff were among 16 people who left the club last week amid the racism scandal involving former player Azeem Rafiq.

Gale has said he is considering legal action but Yorkshire are moving ahead towards a new era regardless, persuading Gough to trade a lucrative and successful broadcasting career for a major rebuilding job at Headingley.

Gough has been out of the game since his retirement in 2008 but took a short-term mentoring role with England’s seamers on tour in New Zealand two years ago and was enthused by the experience.

« Yorkshire County Cricket Club has been part of my life since my earliest days in cricket when I made my debut in 1989, and I spent 15 happy years at the club, » Gough said. « Like many, I have followed how the club handled the recent racism allegations with sadness and anger.

« I want to play my part in rebuilding cricket in Yorkshire and I am looking forward to working with the exceptionally talented group of players here. I am also aware of my wider responsibility to listen to everyone and ensure that every person who is associated with this club feels welcome, instilling values we want associated with the White Rose: honesty, straight talking, hard work, integrity and excellence.

« I share (Chair) Lord Patel’s vision for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and the collective determination to face the issues head on with a series of positive actions. Change will not happen overnight, but I am certain that we can make Headingley roar again ».

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

England captain Joe Root says new Yorkshire director of cricket Darren Gough can pass on his experience to the next generation of players.

Gough is highly regarded by whistleblower Rafiq and was among the first to make contact when his allegations of discrimination at the club became public.

England Test skipper Joe Root, a lifelong Yorkshire player, has also backed Gough as the perfect man to help the White Rose bounce back from a torrid chapter in its history.

Speaking from Brisbane ahead of the first Ashes Test, he said: « I’ve obviously spent time with Darren and he’s a good man. « I’m sure he’ll be looking to put his stamp on things at the club.

« From my experience of spending time with Goughy he is obviously very passionate and knowledgeable about the game. His love for it is clear for anyone to see and for the club as well.

« I’m sure he will be wanting to bring all of that to the fore and all of his experiences and achievements within the game and pass that knowledge onto the group, if it is that he is about to take over. »