Gough exits as Yorkshire prepare for a new era
Darren Gough’s status as reputedly the highest paid director of cricket in England was the main reason for his departure from Yorkshire County Cricket Club, announced yesterday by mutual consent just three weeks before the start of the season.
The YEP understands that Gough’s salary was £260,000 and his overall package worth around £325,000. That is believed to be well in excess of the figure commanded by Alec Stewart, his former England team-mate, who is director of cricket at champions Surrey.
Gough, who leaves with Yorkshire in Division Two of the County Championship after relegation in his first season in 2022 was followed by a secondbottom finish last year, was also earning more than twice the amount paid to Martyn Moxon, whom he replaced at the height of the racism crisis.
It is thought that Gough is unlikely to be replaced in the short-term as the club restructures its cricket department, although Gibson – now in the final year of his contract – is staying.
In a statement, Gough said: “It’s been an absolute honour to work for my boyhood club over the last two seasons.
“Having stepped in at a very challenging time, we’ve worked hard to steady the ship and develop our cricket department to ensure we can return to the top tier of English cricket.
“Following conversations with the club, I have decided now is the right time to step away from my role and give someone else an opportunity to take our playing squads forward. I’d like to thank all of our players, staff, members and fans for their considerable support over the last few seasons and wish them all the very best for the coming year.”