Geelong to narrow candidates to four in search for new coach

GEELONG is set to narrow the field of candidates to four as it closes in on a replacement for coach Tim Ludeman.

Cats cricket operations manager Travis Agg said the club was entering the interview stage, with a number of exceptional coaches applying.

“Whoever gets the job will be a high-calibre person,” Agg said. “It really just comes down to what we’re looking for in terms of what best suits the group moving forward.

“We’re being very openminded around that and making sure we get the right person for the group and someone that understands what our club needs in terms of development.

“If you look at our list, it’s an exciting challenge.”

Remaining tight-lipped on the frontrunners, Agg said the club would not be appointing someone from within.

“The committee has been big on changing things up a bit in terms of not having the same people who know the place,” Agg said.

“We’d like to get a fresh set of eyes and that’s a good way of looking at things. If you get an internal applicant, they have their opinions formed on players and that might hamper development.”

While the club had previously forecast making an announcement by mid-March, Agg won’t rush the process.

“I haven’t put a time frame on it,” Agg said.

“We don’t want to rush into it. It’s a pretty big decision, and with the list we’ve got we need to make sure that we get the right person in charge.”

Ludeman is yet to make a decision on his playing future, having said he could play at local level next season, but he could also remain at Kardinia Park in some capacity.

“Ludes is very keen to do whatever he can to support the group and that might be in a totally different way to what he’s done before, or he could work primarily with our wicket-keeper batsmen.” Agg said.

“Realistically, he’s been in cricket for such a long time that it might be a good opportunity for him to enjoy the winter and see him more refreshed and find out what level of investment he’d like to put in.

“I can’t fault him as a person and I think he’s got a valuable skill set and it would be crazy not to invest in.”