Fri | Oct 4, 2024

Coley remains upbeat despite Windies’ poor run of form

Published:Saturday | August 10, 2024 | 12:08 AMOrane Buchanan/Staff Reporter
Andre Coley.
Andre Coley.

DESPITE registering only two series victories in their last 10 Test matches head coach of the West Indies, Andre Coley, has shared that while the team’s overall performance hasn’t been the best, some players have shown that they’re capable of performing well at this level.

“At this level results count. However, what I’m pleased about is that we have seen improvements in a number of players. We’ve also had a few players come in and shown what they’re capable of,” he stated.

Following the West Indies’ recent hammering on English soil which saw them losing 3-0, Coley, while speaking to Cricket West Indies media on Thursday’s second day of the current first Test against South Africa, explained that he’s heard the grumbling from the fans who aren’t entirely pleased with the team’s poor run of form. He added that it’s part and parcel of being a head coach of the West Indies team.

“I understand the concerns and the way I internalise what is being said about the team’s performance is just understanding that it’s people being passionate and wanting the West Indies to do well. It’s not something that I take personal,” he suggested.

The Jamaican took over as head coach back in May 2023 and has a year left on his contract. According to Coley one of the challenges he faces is not being able to have a settled core of players to select from. However, he believes the remaining 12 months on his contract will reap more favourable results for the team.

“I’m excited about the next 12 months and I have another year on this present contract. One of the challenges is having a settled core of players to be able to have some momentum, but I’m enjoying every moment of it, the highs and the lows. At this level you have to be open to criticism, but also have a thick shell to be able to focus on the job at hand,” he added.

Coley who visited the facilities of Manchester City while he was in England shared that creating an environment where players, staff and management are comfortable augurs well for not only the growth of the team, but solid player development.

“I was wowed just by going through the main entrance. I can only imagine how the players feel walking in that environment, I know as a coach walking into that environment would make you want to roll your sleeves up and get going, so it was a wonderful experience,” he said.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com