Monday musings

Dominic Cork for coach?

A sentence I didn't think I would be writing and would still be surprised to write, while omitting the third word.

I thought I should pen it, however, after the recent comments below the piece on Cork junior signing a new deal at the club.

I am quite clear in my admiration of Dominic Cork as a cricketer. He was combative, feisty, supremely talented with bat and ball, a match-winner and very much a player you would want on your side. He was a pretty good captain too - no Eddie Barlow or Kim Barnett, but shrewd and unafraid to lose a game in trying to win it.

I like him just as much as a commentator, where his opinions make sense, are succinctly and articulately expressed and show that he retains his support of and loyalty to the county where he played the majority of his first-class career.

His return to the club a few weeks back, as assistant coach in an advisory role came as a surprise, especially when his burgeoning media career appeared to legislate against it.

Maybe I am in a minority of one, but I would be very surprised if Cork, should he even decide to throw his hat in the ring, would come out of a selection process as the new coach of the club.

As many other people in different sports have found, there is a world of difference between making informed comment on a sport and being able to inspire others to produce their best in it. One has only to look at the pundits on Match of the Day, none of them close to being regarded coaches, to see what I mean.

Cork's comments on the game of cricket make a lot of sense, but could he motivate our young players into producing their best on a regular basis? Could he spot and help them eliminate weaknesses in their games to take them on to the next level? Would he be prepared to forsake his media career in order to do so and would Derbyshire be best served, at a time when we need a coach of recognised talent, experience and qualifications, to appoint a man who hasn't held such a role anywhere?

It would be a leap of faith, for sure. If one were to think of people who may potentially be interested, there's a few with good coaching backgrounds who I would consider above him, Chris Adams an obvious one.

Much will depend on the role and its specification. I think that would change from the one that Graeme Welch had and I don't think that we'll see the same number of people involved. Of course you need your two teams covered and the academy, but the appointment of Tony Palladino to a playing contract with a bowling coach remit may be telling.

Doubtless we will hear before too long, as the club cannot afford to linger long in its decision making. The club needs that and John Sadler deserves to be told whether the role, or a role, is his so he can make plans for the future. Whoever gets the job needs close to a full winter and Spring with the players to engender a team spirit and improve techniques.

Much to watch in the coming weeks, but I would be genuinely surprised if Dominic Cork was the successful candidate - or indeed wanted to cut his coaching teeth in a role that is some way removed from being a walk in the park.