According to some reports, Mickey Arthur is set to return to Pakistan as coach of their national side. According to others, his opinion only on the new cricket supremo in that country has been sought and he is happy where he is, at Derbyshire.
I really have nothing to add to this. It was inevitable, when I first heard that his name was in the frame for the role, that this kind of thing was going to happen. After all, international coaches of established pedigree are not common. It was my concern when he was chosen over Grant Bradburn, who also made the final cut.
By the same token, I think he would make a mistake in going back to a country where they decided against extending his contract originally. Returns in sport are seldom successful and I would be surprised - and of course disappointed - if Arthur were to turn his back on Derbyshire after just one season in charge and after signing a contract that keeps him at the club for a further three seasons.
Yet after 50 years and counting of following sport, very little surprises me anymore.
All I hope is that either the club or the coach himself is quick in making a statement to clarify the situation for supporters. Things have blown up very quickly over Christmas and I have no doubt that there are some of those reporting who are perhaps quite liberal with the truth.
One way or the other we will know what is happening by the end of the week. But one thing is for sure.
Derbyshire will continue. But players who signed on the dotted line on the understanding that they would be working with him will be mighty disappointed were that to prove not to be the case.
I know I would.
Given the enthusiasm Mickey has spoken about his Derbyshire "project", and also him signing a contract extension, I suspect this is pure conjecture. It's possible that the Pakistan Cricket Board might offer him the role of head of cricket, but I can't see him taking it. He's done that job already. Derbyshire for him was very much an opportunity to experience coaching a county team rather than an international one.
ReplyDeleteI hope so, but I understand from contacts in that part of the world that the people saying this are legitimate and bona fide cricket writers.
DeleteReality is that the longer this goes on, the greater the credibility it will be given, rightly or wrongly
Let's hope it's just conjecture and cricket politics in Pakistan. After all that MA has said about the DCCC project, it would be some serious change of mind to have him go back on all that.
ReplyDeleteAndy
While no doubt lucrative, were it true I would find it a strange move. Both politically and from a cricket perspective. It is volatile right now..
DeleteWikipedia suggests he’s going😳
ReplyDeleteWith respect, it is so easily editable that I wouldn't place too much credence on it. Any fan passionate about his or her country's cricket could easily do that.
DeleteOver my time at a researcher, we used Wikipedia for source material, but did not accept it as gospel on many things.
Could he possibly be being lined up to replace Ramiz Raja?
ReplyDeleteAccording to the reports, he would replace Saqlain Mushtaq, who doesn't want to extend his deal
DeleteWell it's gone quiet on the overseas player front, so maybe there is some truth to the rumours about Mickey leaving
ReplyDeleteI think the two things may be distinct. But at the same time, that is a big decision that should only be made by the person who will be in charge at the club at the start of the 2023 season.
DeleteLike everyone else, I hope that is Mickey. I would be both surprised and disappointed if something was not put out before the weekend to clarify the situation. After all, there are memberships to sell..
Steve s info is usually correct , I am fed up with us being used as a temporary measure , it happens so often They all claim to love it here but go at the first opportunity. Et tu Mickey? Mal B
ReplyDeleteSince John Morris was allowed to leave at the end of the 1993 season with a year remaining on his contract the one thing that has he remained consistent has been that contracts mean absolutely nothing at Derbyshire
DeleteTo be fair, they don't mean a great deal anywhere. The main purpose would appear to be to protect the club in the event of someone chasing a player, ensuring that a portion of the remaining contract is covered financially.
DeleteBut if a player wants to leave a club then there isn't a great deal of point in attempting to retain his services. A disaffected player will not be committed and can poison the entire dressing room.
Look how Yorkshire cancelled the remaining contract of Ballance, with a condition. There are plenty of other examples.
For 'player' read 'coach'. It may well be that Arthur has it written into his contract that he can leave, if approached by an international side.
We will doubtless see in the coming days.
I hope that Mickey is lead by his head rather than this heart. It’s really clear that he has a passion and heart for Pakistan and his time as coach had many highs as well as low. He might feel there is unfinished business as it’s a team with a huge potential. Where I believe could be trap door is politics and history already being not given the time. It’s also worth noting not everything rosey with PCB the domestic players have not been paid. My hutch says that might take it still as same person who brought him in last time. We haven’t signed overseas player yet and he wanted see fixture before making decision and been out while now. On postive George Dobell doesn’t think will happen. I am sure he got contacts that are in the know. Anyway hope for supporters conclusion will be quick.
DeleteFor what is worth, Gary, I have contacts who don't expect it to either. Second time around never works and things are not easy out there, while expectations are high. I think he would make a big mistake in going back
DeleteI would be massively disappointed in MA if, after accepting the role with us and describing it as a project, referencing Eddie Barlow, insisting he wanted to oversee us achieving success only then to jump ship at the first opportunity that comes his way.
ReplyDeleteI would hope he's better than that. Yes, I am aware that money talks and coaching an international side is an attractive option. However, he's not exactly on peanuts at Derbyshire. He's already been there and done it. Also, coach of Pakistan is not always the most secure of roles.
I am sure the Executive Team will be doing everything they can to persuade MA to stay having done such a magnificent job recruiting him. It is one of the great DCCC appointments. If he leaves I will wish him well and will not bear any grudges. Who wouldn’t move to a new job if it offers more money and ‘career progression.’ I have always taken Mickey’s comments about Eddie Barlow and Fred Swarbrook as genuine. So let us hope he stays. Clay Cross Mark
ReplyDeleteps we watched Hayden Kerr bowl very well in two Sydney 6s games btw.
But would you class career progression as returning to an employer who sacked you previously? Different personnel in charge perhaps but still the same internal strife and politics.
DeleteNah! he wouldn't leave with my best wishes. Personally, I don't think he will go, and I fully expect him to honour his contract. I would hope to see a statement from MA reaffirming his commitment to all things DCCC very soon.