Coley tight-lipped over permanent nod as Windies head coach

INTERIM WEST Indies coach Andre Coley says he is fixed on getting things right in the next couple of months rather than considering permanently taking over the West Indies senior coaching job.

The 48-year-old Coley told reporters at a virtual press conference that the two-Test tour of Zimbabwe and the South Africa series is his main focus and that he wants to be the catalyst for a long-term plan starting early next month.

“The focus for me, at the moment, is what’s in front of me, so the next two and a half months is really important, and that’s the period that I have been engaged for,” said Coley.

Cricket West Indies CEO Johnny Grave said that a head coach should be in place by March, and when pressed again as to if he would be interested in applying for the head coach job on a permanent basis, Coley responded: “I suppose when that time comes around and that process is put on the table, then I will give that some consideration. Having accepted this interim role, that should be indication enough of an interest.”

Former West Indies wicketkeeper Jackie Hendricks and fast bowler Daren Powell have come out in support of Coley getting the nod to coach the senior team, with the former Kingston College and Jamaica player having worked at virtually every level as a coach in the region.

Coley possesses a wealth of knowledge assisting with the national women’s team and performed as an assistant under former coach Phil Simmons during the successful run that helped the West Indies to win the 2016 Men’s T20 World Cup. The former Lucas player was also assistant coach of Jamaica Tallawahs when they claimed the Caribbean Premier League title last year.

In the meantime, former West Indies coach Richard Pybus says he would relish another opportunity to coach the regional side if Cricket West Indies should offer him the head coach role on a permanent basis.

Speaking exclusively to The Gleaner from his base in Cape Town, South Africa, Pybus said he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Caribbean and would be more than happy to give it another go if asked.

“I loved my time with the team when we beat England, and if the opportunity came around again, I would seriously consider it. I really enjoyed the guys,” said Pybus.

Pybus went on to add that the West Indies will have their work cut out when they visit South Africa to play two Tests, three One-Day Internationals, and three T20 Internationals.

“I wish the West Indies boys well coming to South Africa. South Africa have a very good pace attack and batting. They can expect hard, quick wickets down here, so it is going to be a big challenge.”