Darren Gough has decided to stay with Yorkshire next season. The England fast bowler's future at Headingley has been the subject of rumour and speculation for months, but Yorkshire have now issued a statement indicating he is to stay there for at least one more summer.

Gough's contract runs out at the end of the 2002 season, and he has still not signed any new deal.

However tonight's statement announced: "Darren Gough has today confirmed that he will continue his career with Yorkshire.

"His existing contract has a year to run, and the club have indicated their willingness to extend the contract when the existing term expires."

Gough, 31, made only two appearances for Yorkshire in last summer's CricInfo Championship, as Yorkshire won the title for the first time in 33 years.

But Yorkshire added in the statement that they do not doubt his commitment to the club, despite his inevitable focus on internationals as a centrally-contracted England player in recent years.

The statement continued: "It has been a difficult time for him personally with a heavy international programme, his benefit activities and persistent press comment as to his future with the club.

"The county has acknowledged Darren's significant contribution to Yorkshire cricket over many years both on and off the field and which has included raising the profile and standards of cricket throughout Yorkshire and elsewhere."

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