February 28, 2007
Gough leaves Essex
Fast bowler Darren Gough has decided to leave Essex to return to Yorkshire.
The 36-year-old spent three seasons with Essex after joining the County from Yorkshire in February 2004.
Gough enjoyed a renaissance in his career during his time at The Ford County Ground, forcing his way back into the England one-day squad on the back of his performances at county level.
Essex Chief Executive David East said: “It is with regret that Darren has decided to leave after we initially had high hopes over the winter that he would sign a new contract with the Club. As is widely acknowledged, Darren’s ties to Yorkshire County Cricket Club are strong and we understand his desire to return to play for his county of birth.
“Everyone connected with Essex County Cricket Club would like to thank Darren for his outstanding service with the Club. Besides his excellent performances on the field, Darren has been a major influence on our young players and their success in recent years.
“We now hope that some of those younger players can take on his mantle over the seasons ahead. Essex has lost players in the past and continued to progress and we have no reason to believe why we shouldn’t carry that on.
“We would like to wish Darren all the best for the remainder of his playing career and look forward to welcoming him back to Chelmsford in the future.”
The paceman took 82 first-class wickets for Essex @ 27.47 and scored 613 first-class runs @ 36.88.
In addition, Gough played a major role in helping the Essex Eagles to successive one-day league titles in 2005 and 2006, taking 38 wickets @ 16.44 over three seasons of totesport League/NatWest Pro40 Division One cricket.
