The prodigal son of Yorkshire County Cricket Club is to return as captain for the 2007 season - but is the ‘enthusiastic’ 36-year-old Darren Gough the right man for the job?

“I have unfinished business at Headingley Carnegie,” says Gough, who spent an eventful 15 years wearing the White Rose before a three-season stint with Essex, during which he picked up two Totesport trophies.

“I enjoyed my time at Essex but I am a Yorkshireman through and through. I will do everything possible to help get this club back among the honours.”

It is the drive and forcefulness that the Yorkshire faithful will be hoping to see again from Gough, whose abilities and form of late nearly earned him a surprise call-up to the England World Cup squad.

Gough is England’s record wicket-taker in one day internationals with 235 batsmen falling to the magic of the enigmatic, egotistic right-arm fast bowler. “I was told I was just about there but obviously with England winning their three or four last matches, you miss out.”

The move will be surprising to some. Those believing Gough is not the force he used to be will be able to judge the former fans' favourite in the upcoming season. Yorkshire CCC chief executive Stewart Regan reflected views that Gough’s ability was not the main factor in bringing him back, admitting that the player's “desire was an overwhelming factor in the board’s decision.”

Certain fans have commented avidly that Gough’s return is a '‘gimmick’' and ‘'a total waste of time'', suggesting he was only truly enthusiastic when the team were doing well. With Yorkshire’s plans to develop a new pavilion and reported profits of around £276,000, along with the introductions of Younis Khan and Jacques Rudolph, a resurgent Michael Vaughan and an ever-improving academy, things are definitely looking up for Yorkshire CCC.
Will Gough's return, as captain, prove a success? Time, it seems, will be the real telling factor.

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