Just had this through on e-mail for those interested. Statement from Anthony McGrath At the end of the 2006 season I told Yorkshire that I was unhappy and wished to leave the Club. I had not enjoyed my cricket, the atmosphere in the dressing room was becoming unbearable and I felt that, as a Club, we were not making progress. I am still ambitious and feel that I have a lot to offer the game. As such, I made the decision that a fresh start would allow me to kick start my career. The Club made it clear to me that I was under contract with three seasons left and could not leave. Unfortunately, we then entered a long period of dispute which regrettably involved lawyers as I tried to make a case for leaving the Club. During the last five months my relationship with the Club has been amicable despite the legal process taking place in the background and they have tried to persuade me to stay on several occasions. However, I felt that I had made my decision and wanted to stick by it, even though it would have meant leaving my home county where I have played cricket since I was a young lad. During the last two months in particular I have been very re-assured by the progress Yorkshire are making on the cricket side. The Club have shared their vision for the future with me, they have added quality players to the Squad, invested in the Strength and Conditioning staff and facilities, organised a pre-season tour to get the lads together and most importantly appointed a Captain who I fully support. I have known Goughy for years and regard him as a mate as well as a great cricketer. He will breathe new life back into the dressing room and I know the lads will run through brick walls for him. I am really chuffed he is coming back and will back him 100%. The Club have shared with me their thoughts on the Director of Professional Cricket appointment and having fully considered my position, I have now withdrawn from the mediation process today. I want to remain as part of the Yorkshire team and do not want to leave only to then regret my decision as Yorkshire go from strength to strength. My family and friends are all in this county and if I am really honest I could never have been comfortable leaving them behind. I know many of the members have been upset that I wished to leave and I am determined to show them just how much Yorkshire means to me. I am sorry for all of the uncertainty of the past few months but I want to put it all behind me now and focus on my cricket. Most of all I want to see Yorkshire having a great season in 2007. A McGrath
FANTASTIC NEWS!!!!!!!! The season ahead looks even more promising for us now. His batting average last season was amazing. But i think he is a very underated bowler as well. Gets plenty of wickets at a good aconomy rate.
We needed that Nice one Anthony. Just need a couple of the academy lads to come on this year. A big year for Joe Sayers and Andrew Gale IMHO
Both have a lot to prove Sayers has the talent and temperament but gets out in the 30's too often and needs to expand his range of shots becuase his scoring areas are a little limited at the minute. Gale has flattered to decieve and this year could be his last chance.
pretentious tw*t I don't care how good a cricketer he is, who the fk does he think he is?</p> Nob.</p>
