Darren Gough steps down as Yorkshire chief on eve of new county season
Yorkshire have announced that Darren Gough has stepped down from his role as managing director of cricket.
Gough joined the county in December 2021, helping them to win the Second XI championship in 2022. In his role, Gough led the club's response to the Azeem Rafiq, with Yorkshire being fined £400,000 for failing to address systemic use of racist or discriminatory language over a three year period from 2012 to 2015.
But having led the club through a turbulent period over the last two seasons, the former England bowler has decided to leave Headingley. Gough's exit comes on the eve of the new County Championship season, with Yorkshire getting their Division 2 campaign underway at home to Leicestershire on 5 April.
“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," he said.
“In my time here, we have achieved a great deal that I am proud of. The men’s squad has been totally rebuilt with significant improvements behind the scenes across all support areas. This has put both the men’s team and the Northern Diamonds in a much better place to be able to compete going forward.
Ballance set to make Test return for Zimbabwe after Yorkshire racism scandal
“The performance pathway is thriving and continues to lead the way nationally, and there is a real energy around what is happening with the Women’s game and the next few years will be transformational I’m sure. 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. I will always be a Yorkshire Cricket supporter and look forward to returning to watch our teams in the coming years."
Under Gough, Yorkshire won the Second XI championship in 2022 (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)In a statement, Yorkshire confirmed they would now take "some time" to consider how the structure of the club's cricket department will look going forward. Gough's work for the club drew praise from chief executive Stephen Vaughan, who thanked the England legend.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Darren since taking on this role. The contribution he has made to stabilise the Club and drive our playing squads forward has been critical and, I know that, as a Yorkshireman who lives and breathes this Club, he has been so proud to carry out the role," Vaughan said.
"The work that Darren has done over the last two seasons has built some fantastic foundations and we are very grateful for his time, commitment and the manner in which he has set about his role”.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
