Phil Simmons Lands T&T Coaching Job

Former West Indies Test player Phil Simmons will serve as coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Senior cricket team for the 2003 First Class season.

Simmons, who served as national coach for the past two seasons, will be confirmed today by the T&T Cricket Board of Control (T&TCBC).

Last month T&T cricket boss Alloy Lequay said Simmons was seeking accommodation, travelling while he is here, return airfare and a coaching fee which he did not disclose.

However, it is learnt that Simmons was asking the T&TCBC for $25,000 a month.

Lequay had said that the T&TCBC was seeking sponsorship to cover the expenses to secure the all-rounder's services.

Asked about Simmons not being present to prepare the national team, Lequay had said: ?Simmons will be here for most of the preparations once he is approved.?

Simmons, through his local contacts, has secured a deal which will take care of all his expenses and allow him to continue in the position.

A source said that Simmons and Lequay held discussions yesterday and Simmons will take up duty following the fourth trial match which ends on Sunday.

At present, allrounder Roland Sampath is spearheading the team?s preparations which have been going on for the past six weeks.

Simmons, who currently lives in England with his family, returned to T&T on Monday night.

T&T will have a new captain for the the new season. Former West Indies ?A? player Richard Smith did the job for six matches after Imran Jan made a favourable impression in the opening match against Leeward Islands at the Queen?s Park Oval. Smith was down with the flu virus, but recovered to take charge for the rest of the Busta Cup season.

Smith was subsequently replaced by WI ?A? team captain, Daren Ganga, who led the team to the semi-finals of the 2002 Red Stripe Bowl competition in August.

Ganga is currently in Bangladesh with the West Indies team and played in the three One-day Internationals. He is also in the WI provisional World Cup 30-member squad.

Omar Khan has been confirmed as manager of the team.

* SOURCE: Trinidad Guardian.