'Passionate and knowledgeable' Darren Gough takes charge as Yorkshire’s new director of cricket

After a total of 16 coaches and staff were shown the door in recent weeks, Darren Gough has been announced as Yorkshire's new director of cricket, and is tasked with rebuilding the club following the racism crisis surrounding the county.

Gough takes charge of his role having already shared close ties to Yorkshire in his playing days. Between 1989 and 2003 Gough bowled for Yorkshire, and then after a brief stint with Essex, he returned and ended his career at Headingley in 2008.

Gough has stepped up to the role on an interim basis, dropping his broadcasting career to initially take charge until the conclusion of the 2022 season.

The 51-year-old is reported to have been one of the first to contact Azeem Rafiq following his allegations of discrimination, and that's a promising and progressive start to his task at Headingley.

Upon his appointment, Gough discussed his role, stating "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 is clearly aware of the challenge that awaits him, and he's received support from major figures in the cricket community, notably Joe Root, who has backed him as a "good man for the job".

Ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, Root 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."

The man once described as the "heartbeat of England's cricket team" will have to draw upon all his experience as he not only looks to regroup the players, but also bring in an entirely new coaching team at Headingley.

Essex's highly-rated head coach Anthony McGrath, a former Yorkshire captain, has been heavily linked with a switch.