McGrath named Yorkshire vice-captain

Full circle: from nearly walking out, Anthony McGrath is now Yorkshire vice-captain © Getty Images

Anthony McGrath's u-turn at Headingley has come almost full circle after he took the vice-captaincy at Yorkshire for the 2007 season. It is only a matter of weeks since it appeared he was on his way out of the club, but Darren Gough's return as captain persuaded him to stay and now he'll help his old team-mate to lead the side.

Martyn Moxon, who himself returned to Yorkshire last week as director of cricket, said: "This is another very positive piece of news for Yorkshire fans. We have had an excellent first week back for pre-season training and the atmosphere has been tremendous.

"The lads are all looking forward to playing cricket again and having a fired-up Anthony McGrath as vice-captain will go down very well in the dressing room. Although Darren is keen to play in every match, there will be times when we will need cover for him and Anthony has the necessary experience for this role".

McGrath had originally been offered the captaincy as an incentive to keep him at Headingley when it appeared his services would move elsewhere. However, he now says he just wants to get back to playing. "It is great to be back in training with the lads and it feels like a different place. I have thought long and hard about Darren's offer of the Vice-Captaincy position and how it might be received by everyone else at the Club with everything that has gone on over the past few months.

"However, it has been a great first week back. I'm very impressed with what Martyn and Darren have had to say and I've told them that I would be honoured to accept the role. I'm looking forward to the season now and just concentrating on my cricket again".