Joe Root heaps praises on 'passionate' Darren Gough, newly-appointed Yorkshire's director of cricket

Former Yorkshire fast bowler Darren Gough has been appointed as the managing director of Yorkshire cricket. Opening up on his appointment, England’s Test skipper Joe Root backed him and stated that he will be instrumental for the club with all his experiences and achievements.

Gough took over the responsibility from Martyn Moxon, who, along with the other coaching staff, left last week owing to Azeem Rafiq’s racism allegations at Yorkshire. In order to take up the role with immediate effect, Gough stepped down from his media duties with talkSPORT.

He takes up the mantle of the club amidst a challenging situation. However, Root who is raring to lead his side into the Ashes opener on Wednesday, December 8 feels that the former pacer will have great success.

“I’ve obviously spent time with Darren and he’s a good man. From my experience of spending time with Goughy, he is obviously very passionate and knowledgeable about the game. His love for it is clear for anyone to see and for the club as well. I’m sure he will be wanting to bring all of that to the fore and all of his experiences and achievements within the game and pass that knowledge onto the group,” Root said, as quoted by Mirror.

I am certain that we can make Headingley roar again: Darren Gough

After the news of his new role was confirmed, Gough came forward to express his opinions on the same. He recounted his association with the club and stated that he too has followed the way the club has handled the recent racism allegations with sadness and anger.

“Yorkshire County Cricket Club has been part of my life since my earliest days in cricket when I made my debut in 1989, and I spent 15 happy years at the club. 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,” he said.

He also added that he will make sure that every person in the group feels welcomed. He further reckoned that change won’t happen overnight but he will keep working towards it.

“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 to be associated with the White Rose: honesty, straight-talking, hard work, integrity, and excellence. I share Lord Patel’s vision for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and the collective determination to face the issues head-on with a series of positive actions. The change will not happen overnight, but I am certain that we can make Headingley roar again,” Root added.