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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Whaling

Yorkshire appoint Ottis Gibson as new coach following Azeem Rafiq racism scandal

Yorkshire have appointed former England bowling coach Ottis Gibson as their new head coach in wake of the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal.

Andrew Gale was relieved of his duties following the inquiry into institutional racism at Headingley, along with director of cricket Martyn Moxon and several backroom staff.

Gibson has penned a three-year deal in Leeds and will begin his role next month.

The former West Indies all-rounder said: "I’m extremely honoured and excited to be given the opportunity to join Yorkshire County Cricket Club as Head Coach.

"This is one of the most prestigious roles in English County Cricket, and I am really looking forward to working with this talented group of players to take the club forward.

Gibson has penned a three-year deal at Headingley (Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

"I’ve spoken at length with Darren Gough about the direction the club is heading in and I’m excited to be a part of that future.”

Gibson left his job as Bangladesh bowling coach last week and has joined the coaching staff of the Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Premier League.

He will then join up with Yorkshire after his stint there has finished.

Gibson is a major coup for the crisis-hit county, with director of cricket Gough managing to persuade the 52-year-old to take the reins.

“Ottis becoming Head Coach is an important moment for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, and we are very happy that he has become part of the team," said Gough.

"Ottis is one of the best coaches in the world and will be a fantastic addition.

"His knowledge, commitment, experience and cricket know-how will be vital for us as we move into pre-season and get ourselves up and running.

"We were absolutely blown away by the level of interest and quality of candidates for this role, but I have no doubt that he’s the best person for the job and will pick up the challenge with relish."

Yorkshire are still in the process of hiring other members of their coaching staff, including two new assistants.

Former Pakistan batsman Younis Khan and ex-South Africa bowler Allan Donald are in the frame.

Gough has got his man (PA)

Yorkshire chairman Lord Patel added: "We’re delighted to welcome Ottis to the club.

"His playing and coaching credentials speak for themselves and he has had a distinguished career performing at the highest level.

"Ottis’ character and his commitment to buying into the process that we are going through at Yorkshire County Cricket Club shone through in our discussions.

"He is someone that I know will encourage dialogue and help foster a culture of inclusion at the club, as well as supporting and developing the world class talent we have here and pushing them to the next level.

"I look forward to working with Ottis over the coming weeks and months as we continue our rebuild of the club."

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