These sorts of opportunities do not come along every day David Byas Profile: Return to familiar ground

And Australia all rounder Ian Harvey has been named as Yorkshire's second overseas player, joining compatriot Darren Lehmann.

Byas, who led Yorkshire to the County Championship in 2001, will be assisted by Kevin Sharp.

Byas, who starts his new job on 1 January, told BBC Radio Leeds: "We need to get some backbone back into Yorkshire cricket.

His predecessor Geoff Cope becomes operations director, with responsibility for all cricket administration.

After Byas moved to arch-rivals Lancashire in 2002, Yorkshire were relegated to Championship Division Two.

And a coaching change a year ago failed to gain the instant promotion members of the famous club demanded.

"I see it as a terrific challenge," said Byas. "Whatever we will have to do we will do. If that starts behind the scenes then so be it.

Harvey will join fellow Australian Darren Lehmann at Headingley

"These sorts of opportunities do not come along every day, and I thought it was too good to miss."

Byas was already aware when he agreed to return to Headingley that Harvey was likely to be arriving too, ending a four-year association with Gloucestershire.

"He is a wonderful player and a terrific signing. I look forward to working with him," he said.

In a statement from Australia, Harvey commented: "This took no thinking about.

"I wanted to be part of trying to bring Yorkshire back to where it should be and I am eagerly looking forward to this major challenge and playing a full part in their success."

Are the good times coming back to Headingley? With the signing of Ian Harvey as well as Byas as coach, I reckon so From Allister Webb Have your say on TMS

Former Warwickshire captain Dermott Reeve was the club's first choice for the coaching job.

But chief executive Colin Graves said Reeve would have been unable to give full-time commitment because of his broadcasting career.