Darren Gough has been appointed Yorkshire’s new managing director of cricket until the end of 2022 season.
Former England bowler Gough had two spells as a player at Headingly, between 1989 and 2003, and briefly from 2006-2007, before retiring from all forms of cricket.
After the announcement, 51-year-old Gough told the club website: “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.
“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 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.”
The move comes after Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s racism scandal that has engulfed English cricket.
Roger Hutton (Club President), Mark Arthur (Chief Executive), Martyn Moxon (Director of Cricket), Andrew Gale (Head coach), and the rest of the county’s coaching team, have all left the club in the wake of Azeem Rafiq’s widespread account of racism at Yorkshire.
Lord Patel was appointed chair of Yorkshire CCC, to deal with several allegations of racism at one of England’s oldest county teams.
Lord Patel said: “We are delighted to welcome Darren back to the club, and are very happy that he has taken the job.
“As we start on this journey with Darren, we want to engage everyone at the Club and involve as many people as possible in shaping our direction.
“We have a considerable job ahead of us, but we are ready to embrace the opportunity together and build a brighter future for Yorkshire County Cricket Club.”
