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.”