Yorkshire look to Gough amid reconstruction after racism scandal

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LEEDS, England (AP) – Former England bowler Darren Gough was appointed director of cricket in Yorkshire on Monday and…

LEEDS, England (AP) – Former England bowler Darren Gough was appointed Yorkshire cricket manager on Monday and has pledged to rebuild the club which recently ditched all its coaching staff amid a racism scandal.

Gough spent 15 years in Yorkshire over two spells and has become a leading figure in broadcasting since his retirement in 2008.

Yorkshire, the most successful team in English cricket, turned to Gough after announcing the departure of 16 people – including Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire cricket manager since 2007 and head coach Andrew Gale – on Friday. They followed the resignations of club president Roger Hutton and then general manager Mark Arthur following criticism from Yorkshire for its handling of allegations of racism made by former player Azeem Rafiq.

“Like many, I have followed the club’s handling of recent allegations of racism with sadness and anger,” said Gough. “I want to play my part in rebuilding cricket in Yorkshire and look forward to working with the group of exceptionally talented players here.

“I am also aware of my larger responsibility to listen to everyone and make sure that everyone associated with this club feels welcome, instilling the values ​​we want to associate with the White Rose: honesty, outspokenness. , hard work, integrity and excellence. ”

Gough, who will hold the post until the end of the 2022 season, will be stepping down from his media duties and one of his immediate priorities will be overseeing the recruitment of a new coaching staff.

Kamlesh Patel, who replaced Hutton as chairman, said “significant change is needed” for the club to regain confidence.

“I share Lord Patel’s vision for Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the collective determination to tackle problems head-on with a series of affirmative actions,” said Gough. “Change won’t happen overnight, but I’m sure we can make Headingley roar again.”

A report revealed that Rafiq had been the victim of “racial harassment and intimidation” in Yorkshire.

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