Ford out of Dolphins race

Caretaker coach not interested in club’s top job

GOLD Coast Dolphins caretaker coach Peter Ford has ruled himself out of the running for the permanent role next season but is hopeful of continuing his four-year association with the club.

Ford and fellow assistant Nathan Anson have been sharing the head coaching workload following Jerry Cassell’s sacking in November, keeping the first grade side in finals contention until Saturday’s loss to Sunshine Coast.

A former fast bowler with Sydney first grade outfit Hawkesbury, Lismore-based Ford joined the Dolphins’ coaching set-up following the arrival of son Lachlan at the club in 2015-16 and is keen to continue as an assistant.

However, with the search for the next head coach already underway, the 50-yearold said he had no ambition to stay in the top job.

“I’m happy to do what I do. I’m happy to help players try and be the best they can be, especially in that team environment,” said Ford, whose son Kadan also plays at the club.

“The process is starting (to find the coach) and I’m sure there’ll be the advertisement out at the end of the season. I think the best thing for the club is we’ll advertise it and see what response we get.

“The playing group that we’ve got now, we’re continually building how those guys are playing and learning. I’m pretty excited about what we’re going to see from the young players at the club in the next few years.

“I’m sure all (the coaches) still want to be involved next season but … it’s a pretty demanding role time-wise. I’m happy to help out wherever.”

Ford and former batsman Anson have received regular support from Grant Parmenter and Andrew Robinson since stepping up, while former Test quick Scott Muller has also spent time with the players.

While the players have spoken highly of Cassell in the wake of his departure, Ford said the transition had been surprisingly smooth. “Any time a club loses a coach it has an impact (but) everyone’s just stepped up and we’ve tried to make things as seamless as possible.

“The coach left and our role was to try to normalise everything and keep players focused on what they need to do.

“(Nathan and I) seem to work pretty well and cover all facets as best we can. All credit to the players, they’re the ones putting the performances on each week.”