Anthony McGrath was yesterday appointed Yorkshire's vice-captain after being asked to take on the job by skipper Darren Gough and director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon.

The Bradford-born batsman was captain in 2003 and his acceptance of the new post is further proof that the rift between himself and Yorkshire has been completely healed after he had insisted during the winter he was leaving the club.

"I have thought long and hard about the offer and how it might be received by everyone else at the club in view of everything that has gone on over the past few months," said McGrath.

"It has been a great first week back and I am very impressed with what Darren and Martyn have had to say. I have told them I would be honoured to accept the role and I am looking forward to the season now and just concentrating on my cricket."

Moxon said: "This is another very positive piece of news for Yorkshire cricket fans. 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 Gough is keen to play in every match there will be times when we will need cover for him and Anthony has the experience for this role."

Gough and Moxon are also "thrilled" with the way the Yorkshire players have responded to the pair's recent arrival back at Headingley. "The response has been absolutely fantastic and everyone is working very hard," said Moxon.

"Neither Darren nor myself could have wished for a better start and the players are all doing their best to be properly prepared for the beginning of the season."

Moxon said there were no recent injuries to worry about and wicketkeeper-batsman Simon Guy was continuing to make good progress from a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered while playing badminton in December.

None of Yorkshire's overseas players will have arrived in time for the five-day pre-season trip to La Manga in Spain but the remainder of the club's professional playing staff will be going on the tour.