Yorkshire County Cricket Club, one of the most successful cricket clubs in the world, on Tueday announced the appointment of former West Indies cricketer Ottis Gibson as its head coach on a three-year contract.
After the development, Gibson will start work from the end of February 2022.
Issuing a statement, the club said that Ottis will report to the interim Managing Director Darren Gough, and will have overall responsibility for the performance and management of the first team.
Gibson will be supported by two assistant coaches, who will be appointed shortly, the club announced.
Notably, Gibson carries a wealth of coaching experience as he had previously performed the role of Head Coach for the West Indies and South Africa, and the bowling coach for England and Bangladesh cricket team.
Gibson, 52, also carries a vast county cricket experience as he representing Durham, Glamorgan and Leicestershire across both red and white ball games.
Significantly, Gibson had made history in 2007 after taking ten wickets in an innings against Hampshire for Durham.
Commenting on the development, Professor The Lord Patel of Bradford OBE, Chair of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said: “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,” he added.
Meanwhile, an elated Gibson 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.”
“I’ve spoken at length with Goughy about the direction the club is heading in and I’m excited to be a part of that future,” he added.
On the other hand, Darren Gough, Managing Director of Cricket, Yorkshire County Cricket Club: “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. 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,” Gough further expressed.
After the announcement, Ottis will join the county club once his contract with the Multan Sultans in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) ends next month.