By Martin Gough

Fortunately, David Byas says his biggest reason for returning to Yorkshire was the challenge ahead.

Byas (centre) was a key figure in Yorkshire's 2001 Championship win

Two-and-a-half years after they claimed their first County Championship in 32 seasons, the Tykes are preparing for their second term in the Second Division.

Byas was the ingredient missing in 2002, when they slipped from first to worst in Division One, and in 2003, when they finished one place out of the promotion zone.

As a pragmatic, no-nonsense captain he led them to brightest moment of the modern era.

Now, after a season with arch-rivals Lancashire and a year working on the family dairy farm, the 40-year-old is back at Headingley as director of cricket.

"I enjoyed playing for Yorkshire - of course the highlight was 2001 - I enjoyed playing at Lancashire and I enjoyed farming," he told BBC Sport.

"But challenges like this don't come along every day."

You can't fret about things you can't control - that has maybe been an obstacle in the past David Byas

Unfortunately, Byas arrived too late to prevent the departure of one leading bowler in Ryan Sidebottom, and could do nothing to stop another, Darren Gough, from leaving too.

"I would be wrong if I suggested losing Ryan Sidebottom was not disappointing," he admits.

"He was a left-armer, which added an extra dimension, and he was a senior player too."

He also says he is "deeply disappointed" Gough, with whom he has exchanged verbal barbs in the past, chose to move to Essex to be closer to his young family.

"We needed a player of his experience and know-how.

"Youngsters want to emulate him and he could distribute the experience he has gained at the highest level.

"It did not work out but we wished him well."

Byas expects England Under-19 bowler Bresnan to step up

With Matthew Hoggard also likely to be away on England duty, Yorkshire will hand increased responsibility to England Under-19 seamers Tim Bresnan and Nick Thornicroft.

"This will be a real test for them - they're under no illusions," Byas says.

"But can never tell how good you are if you're on the periphery and never get picked.

"They might not come through in May, June or July, or even this year, but they're in for the future."

Certain for success is Australian Ian Harvey, a key player for Gloucestershire as they garnered six one-day trophies in the last five years.

But crucially, Byas believes we have not yet seen the best from the all-rounder.

"We can possibly get a bit more from him in the County Championship," he explains.

YORKSHIRE 2004 Director of Cricket: David Byas Captain: Craig White Overseas players: Ian Harvey, Darren Lehmann Players in: Darren Lehmann, Ian Harvey, John Blain Players out: Darren Gough, Ryan Sidebottom, Gavin Hamilton, Gary Fellows, Scott Richardson, Pieter Swanepoel, Stephen Fleming, Yuvraj Singh

"Gloucestershire didn't place too much emphasis on it but our emphasis is on all forms of the game and an intensity in all of them."

Craig White, perhaps a surprise choice, takes over as captain from Anthony McGrath, who is still part of England's one-day squad.

Byas believes White, whose bowling has been limited since knee trouble forced him out of the England side, is a player with "untapped experience and resource".

For the rest of the side there are no set goals in terms of league position or promotion because Byas believes "the detriment of not achieving them can be too great."

Instead they will be told, in straightforward fashion, to "Get on with it, get out and enjoy it".

Byas explains: "Players can't be successful every day so they've got to want other players to do well and enjoy their success.

"You can't fret about things you can't control - that has maybe been an obstacle in the past.

"We've worked hard in training and on fitness so we're going to go out and enjoy it and whatever we pick up on the way we'll put in the trophy cabinet."