Sobers Joins W.I Coaching Staff

Sat, Oct 30, '04

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) late Saturday confirmed the appointment of Australian Bennett King as head coach of the senior team and announced that legendary all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers will join the West Indies coaching staff as technical consultant.

Tony Howard retains his job as team manager under the new management structure unveiled earlier this year. WICB chief executive Roger Brathwaite said few more appointments, possibly an assistant coach, would be made shortly.

While King's appointment was expected, the hiring of Sobers comes as a surprise. Sobers, who is very close to captain Brian Lara, has been critical of the WICB's attitude towards ex players and his appointment is sure to help soften criticisms from a large group in the Caribbean opposed to the hiring of a foreign coach.

The board said the 39-year-old Bennett King boasts a successful coaching record. "He comes directly from his position as head of the Commonwealth Bank Cricket Academy in Australia, the leading institution of its kind in the cricket world. He joined the Academy after guiding the Australian State team Queensland to three consecutive championships from 1999/2000 to 2001/2002.

King has been given a three-year contract.

In his role as technical consultant, Sobers will work with specific individuals, as identified by the Head Coach, for technical and tactical improvement. He will also assist with coaching and tactical strategies in collaboration with the coach.