Darren Gough confirmed as Yorkshire's director of cricket

Gough will initially take on the role in an interim basis until the conclusion of the 2022 season

Darren Gough has described himself as "certain that we can make Headingley roar again" after being named as Yorkshire's managing director of cricket.

The appointment of the former England fast bowler was reported on Sunday night by The Cricketer as the county looks to move forward amid the racism crisis that last week saw the sacking of the club’s coaching and medical teams, having already seen the chairman, chief executive and director of cricket depart.

Gough will initially take on the role in an interim basis until the conclusion of the 2022 season. It is understood that he was originally approached with a view to taking a position on the board but expressed a desire to get involved in a more hands-on manner.

It is thought his arrival will end any widespread talk of player rebellions and turn the attention to the future instead of the past.

Gough said: "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. 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.

"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. Change will not happen overnight, but I am certain that we can make Headingley roar again."

^{Darren Gough is a former Yorkshire captain}

Gough, who has been replaced on talkSPORT Drive tonight by Ray Parlour, has relinquished his media duties, taking a pay cut that The Cricketer understands could be worth as much as £150,000 per year.

Gough has previously turned down numerous coaching opportunities within the game, though he has fulfilled a couple of short-term consultancy roles as a bowling coach with England, and is a figure with the respect of all sides in the bitter feud that has been waged since Azeem Rafiq's allegations of a racist culture at the club came to life.

Lord Patel, the club's new chairman, added: "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 County Cricket Club."

Gough's first job will be to oversee the recruitment of a new coaching team. The Cricketer understands that Essex head coach Anthony McGrath – Gough's former Yorkshire teammate – has been identified as the club's first choice as head coach. He has not yet been contacted with an offer.