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Topics: Cricket, Freddie Flintoff, Sport, Top Gear, UK News
Joe Harker
Topics: Cricket, Freddie Flintoff, Sport, Top Gear, UK News
Freddie Flintoff has spoken out for the first time since landing a brand new job almost a year on from his horrific crash on Top Gear.
The cricket legend was spotted in public for the first time since the crash back in September as he donned an England coaching kit and watched the one day international against New Zealand at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.
Now, he's making a more concrete return to the world of cricket after Flintoff was confirmed as the new head coach for Leeds-based team the Northern Superchargers.
He replaces former England wicketkeeper James Foster, who was the team's head coach for two years.
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A report from the Daily Telegraph linking Flintoff with the job suggested he could be joined by former teammate Kyle Hogg, who appeared alongside the England cricketer in his Field of Dreams series.
It sounds like Freddie is raring to get back into the world of cricket as he released a statement laying out his excitement to be back in the game.
He said: "My time with the England Men's team has been a reminder of just how special cricket is to me.
"And I’m relishing the opportunity to be back amongst it, helping to guide the Superchargers team to success on the field while making memories off it and helping to take cricket to more people.
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"The Superchargers have a great fan base who I cannot wait to meet and bring along with us this season.
"I'm looking forward to making Headingley my new home.”
With an almost five hour drive between Headingley and Top Gear's Dunsfold Aerodrome, where the show is filmed, it may be the case that Flintoff is not returning to the show.
Well, there's that and the fact that he just took a new job, so you work it out.
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Filming on the BBC's flagship motoring show was halted after Flintoff's accident, with fellow presenters Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness saying it would be 'inappropriate' not to pause the show.
Flintoff last month agreed a financial settlement with the BBC following his crash, and the broadcaster has said they've 'sincerely apologised' to the Top Gear presenter.
The BBC have not yet confirmed the fate of Top Gear, but the broadcaster has previously said a decision would be 'made in due course with BBC Content'.
The cricketer will return to TV for his Field of Dreams show, where he is on the lookout for prospective cricket talent.