Yorkshire County Cricket Club have entered into discussions with former captain and director of coaching Martyn Moxon aimed at bringing him back to Headingley in place of Australian Wayne Clark.

But the move was scotched when Durham CCC made sure they would not lose him by offering improved terms and extending Moxon's contract by two years.

Following a wrangle with Yorkshire's former chief executive, Chris Hassell, Moxon left his native county to take charge of coaching at Durham two years ago and Clark was appointed in his place.

But with Hassell now having retired and with Yorkshire wanting to replace Clark, attempts were made to bring back the former Yorkshire and England batsman.

Durham chairman Bill Midgley has admitted that his club was in danger of losing Moxon.

"The approach from Yorkshire concentrated our minds," he said. "We were looking to give him another year on his contract, which was due to run out at the end of the summer, but have now extended that to a further two years.

"We are very happy with the way Martyn has progressed the club. The young players are coming on well and he has got to grips with other problems and is getting the balance right. The last thing we wanted at the moment was another change."

With Moxon proving to be unavailable, Yorkshire changed their strategy and last week announced the appointment of Kevin Sharp as batting coach with Arnie Sidebottom and Steve Oldham looking after the bowling.

Updated: 11:53 Tuesday, January 28, 2003