Gough: I’ll help to rebuild Yorkshire
NEW WHITE ROSE BOSS ANGRY OVER RACISM SCANDAL AT COUNTY
DARREN Gough says he wants to play his part in rebuilding Yorkshire cricket after being named new interim managing director of cricket with the county.
And the former England paceman, who is initially in post until the end of the 2022 season, says he has been left with ‘sadness and anger’ by the racism scandal which has rocked the club.
The county’s handling of Azeem Rafiq’s allegations of racism and harassment were widely criticised and led to chairman Roger Hutton and chief executive Mark Arthur standing down.
On Friday, 16 members of the coaching and medical staff were dismissed, including first-team coach Andrew Gale and director of cricket Martyn Moxon.
Gough had two playing spells with the White Rose, captaining them in his second.
“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,” said Gough, who is highly regarded by Rafiq and was among the first to make contact when his allegations of discrimination at the club became public.
“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.”
Gough’s first job is to employ a new coaching staff, with former Yorkshire and England player Anthony McGrath thought to be the county’s first coach to be the new head coach following his success in the same role at Essex.
Yorkshire chairman Lord Patel believes Gough’s ‘will to win and enthusiasm’ will be key to help get the crisis club back on his fight.
“We are delighted to welcome Darren back to the club, and are very happy that he has taken the job,” he said. “As a former captain of the club, Darren’s impact on the Yorkshire and England teams was considerable as a player.
“His infectious enthusiasm and will to win will be so important as we aim to be the best on and off the pitch. 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.”
Gough, who is thought to have take a significant paycut from his job with talkSPORT to take the role at Yorkshire, added: “I share Lord Patel’s vision, 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.”
And the move to appoint Gough has been praised by England captain and Yorkshire batsman Joe Root.
He said: “He’s a good man and I’m sure he’ll be looking to put his stamp on things at the club.
“From my experience of spending time with Goughie, he’s obviously very passionate and knowledgeable about the game. His love for it is clear for everyone to see.
“I’m sure he’ll want to bring all of that to the fore, all of his experience and achievements in the game and pass them on to the group if he is the man to take over.”