He pointed out - and rightly- that Derbyshire COULD afford to dispose of his services, just as Lancashire did with Darren Benkenstein. By simply getting someone to 'act up' in his place for a more modest salary increase than an external appointment, with a guarantee of a return to their substantive role if they didn't get the job on a permanent basis.
The time to do it, of course, would be as soon as the season has finished and the dust has settled on the different competitions. We will then know if the admitted concentration on red ball skills at the expense of the white ball was worthwhile, or if it promised much, yet ultimately came to naught. We know that the somewhat unbelievable 'white ball will take care of itself' didn't happen, at least in T20.
My concern remains, as I wrote yesterday, that we leave it until the end of next season and the new incumbent has contracts to renew and a possible replacement for Wayne Madsen to find. It would be a huge job.
In addition, it would only encourage short termism and perhaps the recruitment of players who are deemed ready, rather than with a strong development potential. Then leave the next coach to deal with them..
Appointing from within makes sense.
What would make even more sense would be giving the job to Daryn Smit.
No one knows the talent coming through the Pathway better than he does and his articulate manner and people skills would make him a very strong candidate.
Listen to the recent Falcons Nest Podcast, where he seems really enthused about the quality of the talent coming through. Not just Joe Hawkins, but also wicket keeper bat Joe Hall, who came to the Pathway from Yorkshire and has scored a lot of runs, as well as keeping wicket to a very high standard (he caught or stumped all the victims in Hawkins' hat trick earlier this season). There's also Rohan Vallabhaneni, a stylish free-scoring bat from Denstone College and Staffordshire and Jake Green, a talented opening bowler, while Zak Kelly appears an all rounder of talent.
In the younger age groups, Theo Brown, Tommy Bush, Oscar Edwards and Lucas Green will feature for the Midlands-based Bunbury side in August, having already won a two-day red ball fixture against the South and West.
In that game, Edwards scored an unbeaten half-century, Brown showed his attacking ability with 60 runs and leg-spinner Bush and seamer Green were amongst the wickets. Edwards, who plays for Clifton, Smit's own club, scored a century on debut for their first eleven, having moved from Leek Cricket Club and while playing for the Pathway under-15s, is still under 14.
For me, having a man in place who has identified some of the best young talent in the area is the way to go. My opinion, for what it is worth, aligns neatly with Smit, that we clear a path through to second team cricket and have a natural progression to the full county side. We cannot simply release lads at 18, when some might just need a little extra time to develop.
Let's see how the remainder of the season goes. The influx of new blood may galvanise the side for the Metro Bank Trophy, but a decision will need to be made at the end of the season, in the best interests of the club.
Watch this space ..
I agree on Smit, if he is interested he has to be a strong candidate. I’m less keen on Madsen going straight from player to coach. If they get on Smit as HoC & Madsen taking the pathway role would seem like a great solution. Again the caveat here is if it suits both guys. I do think this, or any other appointments, are more likely in 12 months time rather than in 2025.
ReplyDeleteMA has 2 key tasks to turnaround our CC campaign. Firstly coming up with a plan to beat Northants, it is a winnable game, but also one we could lose. A win here would be massive for morale as well as good for points. I understand that Tickner is not playing for us in September, if correct the second is getting an overseas pace bowler for our last 3 CC games.
MarkB
I saw Theo Brown playing last summer and he was very eye-catching as a youngster in a team full of men. I thought then that he was a name to look out for in the future.
ReplyDeleteThat makes a huge amount of sense Steve. I'd expect the 'Madsen for coach' drums to start banging again in due course
ReplyDeleteLet's not assume that's what he wants, though. He's carried us for long enough and must also be allowed a break or new horizons.
Andy
I think for myself I am not keen on talk of getting rid of head cricket when we sit 3rd championship doesn’t sit well. If someone said that Derbyshire finish 4/5 this year red ball most supporters would of took it. The white ball was disappointing and we can’t shy away from it. I still believe Micky Arthur a winner. You have to look at his record that show this. I personally think needs to use pathway lot more. He been very reluctant too and hope one day cup shows change direction going forward. I think at moment the club needs its supporters. We still have lots to play for and season far from over. I prefer talk about how can we change team Northamptonshire.
ReplyDeleteGary. Are you actually MA using a pseudonym ?
DeleteThat made me laugh Simon. It’s my opinion by September could change. I have always backed MA since start. I think he needs to change direction look at pathway and long term now been issue at club long time. The Patel and Whitley bringing past winners hasn’t worked. The season far from over but some comment make you feel it is over and we in October.
DeleteThis shouldn't even be an issue. I don't understand why the head coach got an extension in March when there was no reason for it. Now the club are saddled with another year.
ReplyDeleteRob
Agree totally Rob,madness. Simon
DeleteI can’t see MA going anywhere soon ( unfortunately)
ReplyDeleteIf he was going it should have been at the end of last season when we finished bottom in CC and failed to qualify in white ball. Sadly Duckett and Morgan were suckered in by our successful? ( we won 2 out of 8 games ) start to the season. They won’t be sacking him any time soon!
Paul