CRICKET legend Ian Botham has come out in support of his beleaguered Yorkshire pal Darren Gough over his dispute with his county.

Gough, who believes a vendetta behind the walls of power at Headingley, is try-ing to force him out of the county he loves, is set to make a decision on his future before the end of the month.

The England quickie, who is loved by fans across the country for his 110 per cent style of play, has come under fire for moving out of Yorkshire to Buckingham - so his wife could be closer to her family.

Essex, Middlesex and Surrey are all believed to be chasing his signature, and Botham, who enjoyed one of his finest moments at Headingley in the much publicised Ashes series of 1981, believes perhaps it is time for Gough to walk away because of the way he has been treated.

"I think Yorkshire need their heads read - Darren Gough is Yorkshire through and through," said Botham, who was at Borders Book Store on Davygate, York last night to publicise his new book - Botham's Century.

"Darren Gough is more Yorkshire than any man in this room and for him to be upset and want to leave the county he loves then I can assure you something drastic has gone on behind the scenes.

"If he is going to get that sort of treatment he should go. It is his decision so my point is that Yorkshire should take a strong look at it".

Updated: 11:37 Thursday, November 22, 2001