Yorkshire get their man as they land top target Gibson

OTTIS GIBSON has been confirmed as the new head coach of Yorkshire on a three-year deal. The former England bowling coach replaces Andrew Gale, who was sacked last month following the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal. His appointment is a major coup for Yorkshire’s new director of cricket Darren Gough, who Sportsmail revealed earlier this month had made the 52-year-old his top target. Gibson (right) left his role as Bangladesh bowling coach last week and will start once he has finished work with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League next month. ‘I’m honoured and excited,’ said Gibson, who will be their first black head coach. ‘This is one of the most prestigious roles in English county cricket. I’ve spoken with Goughy about the direction the club is heading and I’m excited to be part of that future.’ Yorkshire will also soon recruit two assistant coaches after their entire backroom staff were axed. ‘It is an important moment for Yorkshire,’ said Gough. ‘Ottis is one of the best coaches in the world and will be a fantastic addition.’ As well as his work with England, Gibson has been head coach of West Indies and South Africa. Yorkshire have also cleared a hurdle in their bid to win back international fixtures after reducing the influence of the Graves Trust. The DCMS had said Yorkshire should curb the Trust’s power, as they were unable to fire board members without their permission. Yorkshire chief Lord Patel has removed this requirement, paving the way for Headingley to host England games.