Durham re-sign Paul Coughlin after injury-hit Nottinghamshire spell

The 27-year-old initially left the club for Trent Bridge at the end of the 2017 campaign, but he returns to his home club after two years away

Durham have re-signed allrounder Paul Coughlin from Nottinghamshire ahead of the 2020 season.

The 27-year-old initially left the club for Trent Bridge at the end of the 2017 campaign, but he returns to his home club after two years away.

The Sunderland-born seamer captained Durham during the 2017 T20 Blast before his initial departure. He has also represented England Lions, but dislocated his shoulder in the build-up to the 2018 season while on tour.

That blow limited him to just three games in his first year with the club, before a broken finger at the start of the 2019 campaign was followed by a hamstring injury that all but ended his season.

It meant that he ultimately experienced an injury-ridden time at Notts, representing the side just ten times across all three formats of the game.

However, he expressed his gratitude to Peter Moores and Mick Newell for their support as his departure was confirmed.

“I would like to thank Mick (Newell), Peter (Moores) and the club for their understanding,” said Coughlin.

“Unfortunately, I suffered a couple of serious injuries while at Notts which meant I spent most of the last two years with the physio James Pipe and undergoing rehab with Liam Price (strength and conditioning coach).

“I am very grateful for all the work they did with me. During these periods of injury, I questioned whether I even wanted to continue playing cricket professionally.

“The support I received from Notts during this period was excellent and I am disappointed I was unable to repay them with performances on the field. However, for personal reasons I felt I needed a fresh start.

“I am very excited to be returning home to Durham and I hope this move will help me get my career back on track.”

Durham director of cricket Marcus North added: “We are delighted that this opportunity has presented itself for Durham to bring one of its home-grown players back to the club.

“Paul is an outstanding all-round player who will add quality to the Durham squad in all formats.

“We are all excited to welcome him back at the club following two years away and look forward to Paul having a huge impact here at the Emirates Riverside.”