GOUGH HEADS HOME TO TAKE YORKSHIRE JOB

CRICKET: Yorkshire have confirmed the interim appointment of Darren Gough as the county’s new managing director of cricket.

The former England paceman is initially in post until the end of the 2022 season, Yorkshire said. His appointment comes at a time of huge turbulence for the county.

Their 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.

Gough said: “Yorkshire County Cricket Club has been part of my life since my earliest days in cricket when I made my debut for them 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 at the club.

“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 throughout.”

Gough has, more recently, been a broadcaster on Talksport, but will step down from that role in order to concentrate on his new job with Yorkshire.