Dual coaching system mooted for Black Caps MATT RICHENS

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A multi-coach structure for the Black Caps is gaining momentum and is supported by ex-players.

Former internationals Mark Greatbatch and Dion Nash said different coaches for the different formats could work and they expected it to happen.

New Zealand Cricket boss David White this week said the possibility of multiple coaches had been looked into, and with a jam-packed international schedule in the coming three years, but especially the next 10, it made sense.

However, White implied it would be more about managing workloads than utilising specialist skills.

"The Future Tours programme until 2020 is incredibly condensed, and there's virtually no time between tours," he said.

"So going forward, we need to look at our coaches and support staff so we manage the workload, because it is incredibly demanding."

Nash thought the move was just a natural extension from having batting, bowling and fielding coaches and could work well as long as all the coaches were singing from the same song sheet.

"With so much cricket being played, people can't commit to being on tour for 12 months of the year so you have to start thinking outside of the square to find a way of doing things. [Multiple coaches] is more feasible ... especially for younger people with families."

Former head coach Greatbatch said the plan had merit.

"One guy could probably do it, but with 50 over cricket and Twenty20 cricket you've got World Cups now and with different coaches those people have more time to work with certain players on different plans and strategies," he said.

"I'm agreeing with the theory of having more than one coach, but I'm not sure about three; I think the second guy could do the Twenty20 and one-day stuff."

Nash said NZC could follow a football model, possibly at the expense of the director of cricket position held currently by John Buchanan.

"To have it really work, instead of a director of cricket, you'd have a guy as a head coach or a general manager like [Manchester United manager] Alex Ferguson. I think you still need someone in charge that the players are answerable to. It could get a little confusing, but I think it's workable if the structure is right."

Nash liked the idea of either Buchanan moving from his director of cricket role to a head coach role and have specialist coaches under him, or another person coming in, who answered to Buchanan, and had the specialists under them.

The problem with that would be cost. Buchanan is a good chance to be more involved with the top side because of his experience with the champion Australian side and it would save NZC a salary.

Former Bangladesh coach and current Wellington mentor Jamie Siddons is firming as a favourite to be involved and this week confirmed his involvement had been discussed even before current coach John Wright revealed he had opted not to re-sign with the side.

NZC are yet to advertise for a new coach or coaches.

- The Press