Has Darren Gough left talkSPORT? Ex England star succeeds Martyn Moxon at Yorkshire CCC amid racism scandal

The former England bowler, Darren Gough, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Yorkshire County Cricket Club following Martyn Moxon and 16 others departure from the club last week.

YCCC has been put under the microscope ever since Azeem Rafiq, a former player, blew the whistle on the racism he is said to have experienced during his two spells at the club.

Yorkshire have been heavily criticised for the handling of the situation as, after admitting that Rafiq had been the subject of racial abuse, they then claimed it was ‘friendly’ banter and should not be taken to heart and no member of the club would be punished.

However, the department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport held a committee hearing which allowed the former bowler to detail his experiences and since this hearing which took place on 18 November 2021, nearly 20 members of the YCCC have left.

Will Darren Gough stay in his role with TalkSPORT?

As a result of his new appointment, Gough has stepped down from his role as a presenter on the radio station TalkSPORT, which he has held since his retirement from the pitch in 2008.

What has happened at Yorkshire Cricket?

The YCCC is currently involved in a huge racism scandal and, as a result, many of those who held top roles at the club have resigned or been asked to leave.

Former Yorkshire spin-bowler, Azeem Rafiq, revealed his experiences of racism in an interview for Wisden Cricket and Yorkshire proceeded to investigate the accusations.

However, their handling of the case was widely criticised and resulted in a committee hearing by the DCMS

The former chairman of the club, Roger Hutton, resigned in November and it was later revealed that the former managing director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, the head coach, Andrew Gale and all the other members of the coaching staff had left the northern club on Friday 3 December 2021.

Gale has since told BBC Sport that he will begin a legal fight against the club’s decision to sack him.

The new chairman of YCCC, Lord Patel has spoken on Gough’s appointment saying: “We are delighted to welcome Darren back to the club, and are very happy that he has taken the job.

“As a former captain of the club, Darren’s impact on the Yorkshire and England teams was considerable as a player. His infectious enthusiasm and will to win will be so important as we aim to be the best on and off the pitch.

“As we start on this journey with Darren, we want to engage everyone at the club and involve as many people as possible in shaping our direction. We have a considerable job ahead of us, but we are ready to embrace the opportunity together and build a brighter future for Yorkshire.”

Who is Darren Gough?

The former fast bowler, Gough, spent 15 years playing at Yorkshire himself over two spells and has said that he wants to ‘play my part in rebuilding’ the club.

Speaking after his appointment was announced, the Yorkshireman said “Like many, I have followed how the club handled the recent racism allegations with sadness and anger.

“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, 51, first played for Yorkshire in 1989 and retired from the sport in 2008 - the year Rafiq started at the club.  He spent two seasons with Essex from 2004 to 2006 before returning to his home side for his final two seasons.

He made his international debut in 1993 during New Zealand’s tour of England and played is first full home series in 1994 against South Africa.

He took 855 first class wickets for Yorkshire and Essex along with 229 wickets for England at an average of 28.39.

Gough’s best figures for his country in 1998 during a test series against South Africa where he finished on 6/42 in the final match.

The fast bowler also played in 159 One Day International matches, taking 235 wickets - the second-most for England after James Anderson (269).

Darren Gough will begin his new role immediately and has a contract until the end of the 2022 season. He will no longer present for the radio station TalkSport - a role he has held since 2008.

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