Yorkshire coach Wayne Clark seemed to end speculation about Darren Gough's future by stating that England's star bowler had assured him he would still be playing for his native county next season.

Clark also named the six players who have been told they are being released but he said that he would "vehemently resist" any further cuts to the playing staff.

Yorkshire's general committee meet today at Headingley to decide on contracts for next season.

"If any other cuts are needed then they will have to come from elsewhere," added Clark, bluntly.

The six players who have been told they can go are James Middlebrook, Ian Fisher, Paul Hutchison, Simon Widdup, Tom Baker and Greg Lambert.

Clark said there was no question of Harrogate-born left-hander Vic Craven being axed from the staff.

"Vic will be playing for Yorkshire next year. He is a batsman with talent," he said.

"There are pressures from within the committee to reduce financial costs but any further cuts cannot come from the playing staff, they will have to be made elsewhere.

"We have now got a playing staff which we are keen to keep and will vehemently resist any cuts beyond the six I have mentioned. If we have to save money then we will look at other ways.

"The six players have all been consulted and we are doing everything possible to help them get to other counties. We have already recommended two of them to counties who have shown an interest."

Clark said that Aussie-born off-spinner Andy Gray, who plays for Scarborough and has been having trials with Yorkshire, would be added to the squad for next season.

Although Clark insists Gough will be with Yorkshire next summer and chief executive Chris Hassell has also said that Gough will definitely be helping them retain the Championship title, it remains difficult to see how he will make any real contribution.

Gough's heavy commitments with England mean he has played in only two Championship games this season and the situation does not appear likely to change very much in the near future.

And if Gough does change his mind and ask for his release then Yorkshire may still not resist any such move.

Updated: 11:50 Thursday, August 30, 2001