Darren Gough, now out of action for the remainder of the season, may have played in his last match for Yorkshire.

With the county club faced with crippling debts there are reports that they may have to get rid of nine players when contracts are discussed in a few weeks' time.

And with Gough at one stage last year saying that he was unhappy at Yorkshire and apparently not extending his contract beyond this summer, it could be that there will be a parting of the ways.

Faced with a third operation on his right knee, Gough will definitely not be fit in time for England's participation in the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka in mid-September and there must now be serious doubts over how long he can continue as a regular Test player.

Yorkshire would have to pick up the whole of his wages bill if he were to play only for the county and the cricket committee may feel that the club simply cannot afford it for a fast bowler who will be 32 next month.

Any move to get rid of Gough, however, is unlikely to have the support of coach Wayne Clark.

"I can see Yorkshire benefiting a lot more over the next year or two if Gough should be available," he said.

"But the best thing for him now is to get right and have sufficient time to recover and regain his strength."

Meanwhile, Yorkshire chairman Keith Moss confirmed yesterday that he will reluctantly stand down at Monday's meeting of the general committee at Headingley when a new management structure is expected to be announced.

"I am going because this club is bigger than any one man but I hope the Yorkshire public will recognise my efforts on their behalf and that whatever talent I have will not be lost for ever," he said.