Darren Gough: Ex-England paceman steps down as Yorkshire managing director of cricket

Darren Gough stepped in at Yorkshire in the wake of the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal, after which 16 members of staff left

Former England fast bowler Darren Gough has stepped down as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire.

Gough, who played for Yorkshire for 15 years, took the role in December 2021 replacing Martyn Moxon.

The 53-year-old had to negotiate the county through the fall-out from the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal, which saw 16 people leave the club at the end of 2021, including Moxon.

"It's been an absolute honour to work for my boyhood club," Gough said.

"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."

Gough's initial arrival was on an interim basis, followed by a permanent appointment in November 2022.

He said "rebuilding the club" and "rebuilding trust in the county's management" were his main aims.

He was involved in the appointment of new staff such as Ottis Gibson as head coach, the overhaul of the men's squad, and also the continued development of the women's game notably in the shape of Hundred side Northern Diamonds.

"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," chief executive Stephen 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."

Gough added: "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.

"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."

Yorkshire begin their 2024 Championship season on 5 April at home against Leicestershire in Division Two.