Paul Coughlin has rejoined Durham following a two-year stint with Nottinghamshire.
After signing for the Green and Golds ahead of the 2018 season, the 27-year-old endured an injury-hit time in the East Midlands, turning out just 10 times across the three formats of the game.
The England Lions all-rounder expressed regret at not being able to contribute on the field more frequently, and is full of praise for the support he received during his time at Trent Bridge.
“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.”
Coughlin dislocated his right shoulder whilst on England Lions duty in the lead-up to the 2018 season, limiting him to only three first team appearances during the domestic campaign.
He then broke a finger in his first County Championship appearance for the club in April this year.
Having returned to action for the Royal London One-Day Cup game against Worcestershire a month later, Coughlin sustained a serious hamstring injury that wiped out the majority of his 2019 season.
After his two seasons in the Midlands, Coughlin expressed a strong desire to return to the North East for family reasons, with the club agreeing to release him from the final year of his contract.
“Paul’s time with us was blighted by injury to an extent that nobody could have predicted,” said Nottinghamshire Head Coach, Peter Moores.
“It was really unfortunate, of course for him because he was desperate to get going and also for the club because he was set to be a big signing for us, at an important time having lost a number of senior players at the back end of 2017.
“The desire he showed to get back playing and the way he approached his rehab was second to none.
“He became a hugely popular person within the group and someone everyone was desperate to see get the success his effort and talent deserved.
“Hopefully now, back at Durham, he can put his injury woes behind him and play some good cricket for them.”