Coaching Archives

Andrew Flintoff Appointed England Lions Head Coach

By Nilay September 7, 2024 0

Andrew Flintoff, the legendary English cricketer, has been appointed as the new head coach of the England Lions, the national team’s development squad. Flintoff, who played 79 Tests for England, will take up his new role in October, leading the Lions on tours to South Africa, Australia, India, and Zimbabwe over the next year.

Flintoff’s appointment is a testament to his growing reputation as a coach. Since returning to cricket in 2023 after a horrific car crash, he has worked as an assistant coach with the England men’s team and as head coach of the Northern Superchargers in the Men’s Hundred.

In his new role, Flintoff will be responsible for performance planning, player development reviews, team selection, and player appraisals. He will also work closely with the England men’s team management, led by head coach Brendon McCullum.

Flintoff’s appointment has been welcomed by England’s men’s performance director, Ed Barney. “Andrew stood out thanks to his inspirational leadership, coaching expertise, and deep understanding of the game,” Barney said. “His vision aligns very closely with the playing style and identity that has been fostered with England Men under Brendon McCullum.”

Flintoff is excited about the opportunity to work with the Lions. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the country and to help shape the future of the men’s game,” he said. “The Lions programme has always been a vital stepping stone for players pushing for international success, and I’m honoured to be part of that journey.”

The future of English cricket looks bright with Flintoff at the helm of the Lions. He is a passionate and experienced coach who is committed to developing the next generation of England stars.

Categories: Cricket

Graeme West Appointed Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland

By Nilay September 7, 2024 0

Graeme West, the current Cricket West Indies (CWI) high-performance manager, is set to take over as director of high performance at Cricket Ireland (CI) next month. West brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked closely with young talent from across the West Indies during his stint with CWI that started in 2012.

In 2016, West coached the West Indies team that lifted the Under-19 World Cup. After working with the U-19 and ‘A’ teams, his current role as high-performance manager included setting up academy programs and building a pool of coaches. He is expected to have a similar profile in Ireland.

Before joining CWI, West spent five years at the Middlesex academy, where he worked with Ireland internationals Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie, Andrew Poynter, and Stuart Poynter. West has not played any top-flight cricket but holds a Level 4 ECB coaching qualification.

“I am delighted to be joining Cricket Ireland as the organization continues to grow and strengthen,” West said in a statement. “The Strategic Plan for 2024-27 is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to applying my experience and philosophy to the wealth of talent and expertise that has been assembled as we further establish Ireland as a major cricketing nation.”

Warren Deutrom, the chief executive at CI, said the appointment was a step towards Ireland becoming a “fit-for-purpose Full Member.”

“When we set out to create and recruit for the role, the profile, initiative, and experience that Graeme possesses is exactly what we were looking for,” Deutrom said. “We knew that in order to be successful in this new role, the candidate required leadership experience, exceptional people skills, and the ability to be a mentor as much as a manager. In Graeme, we believe we have found that candidate.”

“As an organization, we are going through a process of reviewing and evolving our operations to ensure we are fit-for-purpose as a Full Member in a rapidly changing environment. One of the strategic decisions we made was to acknowledge the scale and scope of our work has outgrown our pre-Full Member structures.”

The senior men’s team has a busy few weeks ahead, with a white-ball tour of the UAE to play South Africa later this month. The senior women’s team is set to host England for three ODIs and two ODIs starting Saturday.

Categories: Cricket

Rahul Dravid Reflects on Coaching Career, Shares Career Advice

By Nilay September 4, 2024 0

Rahul Dravid, the former India coach and captain, recently shared his thoughts on his coaching career and the challenges of the game at the CEAT awards. Dravid, who guided India to victory in the T20 World Cup earlier this year, reflected on the highs and lows of his tenure.

“The beauty of this game is that you are failing a lot more than you are succeeding,” Dravid said. “But that’s what makes it so much more fun, so much more enjoyable.”

Dravid’s tenure as coach was marked by both success and disappointment. India reached the final of the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup but lost both to Australia. However, they managed to bring home the T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa in a thrilling final.

“When you have moments like that, I try and avoid showing that to my children, thinking I’ve gone mad or something,” Dravid said of his emotions after winning the T20 World Cup. “But I have been always telling the boys that we have got to maintain our balance, we’ve got to remain cool and not go up and down with the results.”

Dravid also spoke about the challenges of coaching a team at the highest level. “You are constantly under scrutiny,” he said. “You are constantly being judged. But that’s part of the job. You have to be able to handle that pressure.”

Despite the challenges, Dravid said he enjoyed his time as coach. “It was a great experience,” he said. “I learned a lot. I grew a lot. And I made some lifelong friends.”

Dravid is now looking forward to the next chapter in his career. He has not yet announced his plans, but he said he is open to new opportunities. “I’m not sure what the future holds,” he said. “But I’m excited to find out.”

Categories: Cricket

Tim Paine’s Witty Social Media Post Pokes Fun at Spinner’s Botched Delivery

By Nilay September 1, 2024 0

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has once again showcased his witty side on social media, this time poking fun at a spinner’s hilarious delivery. Paine, who was recently appointed as the head coach of the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, shared a video on Twitter of a spinner hilariously botching a delivery, with the ball slipping out of his hand and falling far short of the pitch.

The video, originally posted by @SENTassie, joked about the Strikers’ potential interest in the hapless spinner, stating, “We’ve heard the Strikers have committed to selecting this world-class spinner with their pick.” Paine joined in the fun, quipping, “If only we had some space left in the salary cap for this mystery spinner.”

Paine’s appointment as the head coach of the Strikers marks the latest step in his rapid ascent through the coaching ranks. After serving as an assistant to Jason Gillespie last season, Paine was named head coach following Gillespie’s departure. His new role will see him leading a Strikers team that has shown great promise, particularly with their strong finish to the last BBL season, where they secured a spot in the finals.

Paine’s light-hearted approach on social media contrasts with his serious commitment to his coaching duties. He has already been active in the development of young talent, including his involvement with NT Strike in the Top End T20 series and his previous stint as an assistant coach for Australia A.

As Paine prepares to lead the Strikers into BBL14, fans can expect a blend of his cricketing acumen and his characteristic humour, both on and off the field. Paine’s appointment as head coach is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his ability to connect with players and fans alike.

Categories: Cricket

Unbox Sports Launches to Empower Tennis Coaches with Representation and Opportunity

By Nilay August 29, 2024 0

Unbox Sports: Empowering Tennis Coaches with Representation and Opportunity

The tennis industry has witnessed a groundbreaking development with the launch of Unbox Sports, a sports agency dedicated to elevating the value of professional tennis coaches. Founded by Yannick Yoshizawa, a seasoned industry veteran, Unbox Sports aims to create a new community for coaches, providing them with talent representation, service consultation, and a platform to showcase their expertise.

Yoshizawa, who has worked with the WTA and other tennis organizations, recognized the need for greater recognition and support for coaches. “You all make a huge difference and you aren’t recognized enough,” he told a gathering of tennis professionals at the launch event.

Unbox Sports offers a comprehensive range of services to its clients, including dedicated benefits, universal certification, media exposure, contract negotiations, and commercial investments. The agency believes that coaches should not be put in a position where they have to ask for more money or settle for less than they deserve.

“We want to support you, and if that means being the bad guy sometimes, so be it,” Yoshizawa said.

The agency has already signed five renowned coaches to its roster: Wim Fissette, Naomi Osaka’s coach; Sandra Zaniewska, Marta Kostyuk’s coach; Tom Hill, Peyton Stearn’s coach; Benjamin Ebrahimzadeh, an ATP and WTA coach; and Carlos Kirmayr, GPTCA National President of Brazil and WTA coach.

Fissette, who has coached some of the world’s top players, expressed his enthusiasm for Unbox Sports. “I always loved coaching, but looking for jobs, speaking to agents, negotiating, getting the contract done—these were all things that I didn’t like and was also difficult,” he said.

Unbox Sports believes that there is untapped potential for coaches to engage in brand deals and media exposure. Zaniewska noted that coaches have the time and expertise to contribute beyond their work with players.

“There is space for it, and there is interest for it,” she said.

However, Fissette pointed out that good sponsor deals for coaches are not as common as in other sports. “They constantly show coaches on TV. If you watch Alcaraz, you see his coach all the time after every point,” he said.

Unbox Sports aims to change this by leveraging the accessibility of tennis coaches and their visibility on television. The agency believes that coaches can become valuable partners for brands and media outlets.

Categories: Tennis

Ali Maiden Appointed Head Coach of Bears Women

By Nilay August 28, 2024 0

Ali Maiden, who served as England’s assistant coach during their 2017 ODI World Cup triumph, is set to embark on a new chapter in his career as the inaugural head coach of Bears Women. Maiden, who has primarily worked in the men’s game in recent years, expressed his eagerness to return to the women’s game.

Maiden’s appointment at Bears Women, based at Edgbaston, will commence on November 1. He will oversee preparations for the 2025 season, when the club will compete in England’s new domestic structure for women’s cricket.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Bears Women at the start,” Maiden said. “The club’s passion for women’s cricket and their commitment to developing a successful team are evident. I’ve been seeking an opportunity to return to women’s cricket, and this role aligns perfectly with my aspirations.”

Bears Women, operated by Warwickshire, is one of eight ‘Tier 1’ sides that will participate in the new domestic structure. Laura MacLeod will serve as their director of cricket, and the club has already secured the signings of Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Chloe Brewer, Katie George, and Charis Pavely.

Maiden’s departure from Yorkshire’s men’s team marks the end of a three-year tenure, during which he played a key role in developing their batters. Colin Graves, Yorkshire’s chair, expressed his gratitude for Maiden’s contributions.

“We wish Ali all the best in his future endeavors and thank him for his dedication to Yorkshire CCC over the past three seasons,” Graves said.

Maiden’s appointment as head coach of Bears Women is a significant step in the development of women’s cricket in England. His experience and expertise will be invaluable as the club aims to establish itself as a force in the new domestic structure.

Categories: Cricket

Deepali Deshpande’s Journey from Tokyo Disappointment to Paris Triumph

By Nilay August 22, 2024 0

Deepali Deshpande, the former high performance manager for rifle shooting at the Tokyo Olympics, faced a mental health crisis in the aftermath of the team’s disappointing performance. She experienced disorientation while driving, prompting her to seek professional help.

Deshpande realized that the pressure and focus on the Olympics had taken a toll on her well-being. She began practicing yoga and physical training to cope with the stress. She also spent time with her family to regain her balance.

Despite her efforts, the wounds from Tokyo lingered. However, her trainee Swapnil Kusale’s bronze medal at the Paris Olympics brought her solace. Another trainee, Arjun Babuta, narrowly missed a medal.

Reflecting on the Tokyo debacle, Deshpande acknowledged the impact it had on the shooters. She questioned whether the COVID-19 pandemic or the extended pre-training camp in Croatia had contributed to their poor performance.

After leaving her role as national coach, Deshpande shifted her focus to six of her trainees, providing them with individualized attention. She drew lessons from Tokyo and incorporated mental training and nutrition into their preparation.

Deshpande also enhanced her coaching skills through the NIS coaching course. She focused on technical details and ensured that her shooters were well-prepared for any challenges at the Olympics.

Despite the ghosts of Tokyo, Deshpande remained determined to support her trainees. She was relieved when all six qualified for the Paris Olympics and found comfort in the pictures she had taken with the team before Tokyo.

Deshpande’s journey highlights the importance of mental health in sports and the resilience required to overcome setbacks. Her dedication and unwavering support for her trainees ultimately led to their success at the Paris Olympics.

Categories: Others

Ronaldo Tipped for Manchester United Return as Coach or Manager

By Nilay August 21, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent defeat in the Saudi Super Cup final has reignited speculation about his future, with former Manchester United teammate Luis Saha suggesting a sensational return to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, known for his unwavering determination, was visibly disappointed after Al-Nassr’s loss to arch-rivals Al-Hilal. Saha believes that this setback could motivate Ronaldo to consider a return to the club where he first rose to stardom.

“Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day, that could be as a coach or even a manager,” Saha told TVSporten. “His second spell didn’t end how everyone had hoped and you can see why that frustrated him.”

Ronaldo’s second stint at Manchester United was marred by a lack of success and a perceived disconnect with the club’s younger players. Saha believes that Ronaldo’s experience and winning mentality would make him a valuable asset to the club in a coaching or managerial role.

“He will know that he needs to find a new way to communicate when he becomes a coach, which maybe isn’t as harsh or direct as it was when he was at the club,” Saha said. “He will work out how to be successful and use all his knowledge to do that.”

Ronaldo’s next appearance will be on Thursday when Al-Nassr faces Al-Raed in the Saudi Pro League. While his future remains uncertain, Saha’s comments have fueled speculation that a return to Manchester United could be on the cards.

Categories: Football

Legendary Shooter Peter Wilson Eyes Indian Coaching Job for 2028 Olympics

By Nilay August 17, 2024 0

Legendary double trap marksman Peter Wilson, who guided his compatriot Nathan Hales to trap gold at the recent Paris Olympics, has expressed interest in coaching the Indian shooting team for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

Wilson, 37, is a decorated shooter who won a gold medal in double trap at the 2012 London Olympics, becoming the youngest competitor to achieve this feat. He holds the world record in double trap and transitioned to shooting after a snowboarding accident prevented him from playing cricket.

After double trap was removed from the Olympic program, Wilson turned to coaching the Great Britain trap team. His most notable success came in Paris, where his protégé Nathan Hales won gold with an Olympic record, ending a 12-year drought for Great Britain in the event.

Wilson has expressed his desire to work with the Indian team, both the senior squad for the LA Games and the juniors for the next 8-12 years. He emphasized his unwavering pursuit of success and his belief that continental championships like the Asian Games and World Cups are stepping stones towards Olympic glory.

Wilson’s coaching credentials are impeccable. He was trained by the legendary Ahmad Al Maktoum, a member of the Dubai royal family and the 2004 Athens Olympics gold medalist in double trap. India’s Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore finished second behind Al Maktoum in Athens.

India has been without a foreign trap coach for some time, with most shooters at the Paris Olympics relying on personal coaches. Marcello Dradi of Italy was the last trap coach hired by the Sports Authority of India and the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

NRAI secretary-general Sultan Singh confirmed that Wilson’s CV has been received and that a decision on the coaching setup for all shooting events will be made soon. He indicated that the selection committee may meet before the NRAI president’s election on September 14 if necessary.

Other potential candidates for the job include Daniele Di Spigno, Italy’s double trap stalwart, and David Kostelecky, the personal coach of Indian trap shooter Rajeshwari Kumari. However, the NRAI is committed to selecting the best coach available to meet the team’s requirements.

Categories: Others

Wriddhiman Saha Returns to Bengal Cricket, Focuses on Present

By Nilay August 12, 2024 0

Wriddhiman Saha, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter, has expressed his desire to move past his past differences with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and contribute to the team’s success. Speaking at the Eden Gardens, Saha emphasized his focus on the present and his willingness to serve Bengal cricket in any capacity.

Saha, 39, parted ways with Bengal before the 2022-23 season following a dispute with CAB joint-secretary Debabrata Das. However, he has now indicated his readiness to reconcile and help the team achieve its goals. “I don’t think of the past or the future, but only stay in the present. And on that note, currently, all I am thinking about is about playing for Bengal. I have forgotten everything that happened in the past,” he said.

Saha also expressed his openness to coaching Bengal in the future. “I am open to help Bengal in any capacity possible. Since I am a cricketer, I would be better off helping Bengal in coaching instead of any administrative role,” he said.

CAB president Snehasish Ganguly welcomed Saha’s return, acknowledging his experience and value to the team. “Someone of Saha’s experience was necessary for Bengal to fill the gap left by Tiwary,” Ganguly said.

Saha’s return raises questions about the balance between grooming young wicketkeeper Abishek Porel and utilizing Saha’s experience. However, Saha assured that he would support Porel’s growth and ensure he doesn’t fall by the wayside. “Even before I left Bengal, I was grooming Abishek from the sidelines, and that will continue,” Saha said.

Saha also addressed concerns about the lack of Bengali cricketers in the Bengal team. He emphasized that merit should be the primary criteria for selection. “If you play well, you will get an opportunity, and that’s what has been happening in Bengal,” he said.

Despite a disappointing season last year, Saha remains optimistic about Bengal’s prospects. “I am sure the management will aim to give Abishek all the opportunities possible,” he said. “I can understand that some people may feel that the Bengal team should have more Bengalis, but I don’t feel that’s enough reason as talent and hard work should be the primary criteria.”

Categories: Cricket

Andrew Flintoff Appointed England Lions Head Coach

Graeme West Appointed Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland

Rahul Dravid Reflects on Coaching Career, Shares Career Advice

Tim Paine’s Witty Social Media Post Pokes Fun at Spinner’s Botched Delivery

Unbox Sports Launches to Empower Tennis Coaches with Representation and Opportunity

Ali Maiden Appointed Head Coach of Bears Women

Deepali Deshpande’s Journey from Tokyo Disappointment to Paris Triumph

Ronaldo Tipped for Manchester United Return as Coach or Manager

Legendary Shooter Peter Wilson Eyes Indian Coaching Job for 2028 Olympics

Wriddhiman Saha Returns to Bengal Cricket, Focuses on Present

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