Canterbury in hunt for coach

Brendon Donkers is tightlipped about whether he will try to keep his job as head coach of the Canterbury Cricket men’s team.

Canterbury Cricket has gone to the market after Donkers’ twoyear contract came up for renewal, and although chief execuutive Jez Curwin said he would recommend Donkers reapply, the association is clearly open to change.

Donkers’ contract was always set to expire after the 2019-20 season. He replaced Gary Stead when the latter was promoted to take over the Blacks Caps in August 2018.

Canterbury’s recent results were modest. They finished fifth in the Plunket Shield, with one win, and came second in the Ford Trophy with five victories from 10 outings.

‘‘Brendon’s current contract has come to an end and we wanted to test the market, just to make sure what we are doing is right and we are providing the best platform for our players,’’ Curwin said.

‘‘We would recommend Brendon reapply, absolutely, but you just need to make sure you are providing the best opportunity and support for our players.’’

Donkers wouldn’t comment on whether he would seek an interview to continue in the role.

‘‘I am really supportive of the process Canterbury Cricket have chosen to go down,’’ Donkers said. ‘‘From my perspective I just want the best for the Canterbury cricket team. Whether that’s me, or someone else, that’s to be decided.’’

Curwin said the organisation

Brendon Donkers Canterbury coach would welcome applications from overseas, although it would be guided by the Government’s health recommendations because of Covid-19. It’s hoped a coaching appointment would be confirmed before August 1.

Asked if the decision was a reaction to Canterbury’s results for the 2019-20 season, Curwin said the association had to test the market.

‘‘I just think it is prudent to make sure that we have got an obligation to our playing group to provide them with the best platform . . . when contracts come to an end.

‘‘I think people can understand and appreciate that.’’

Donkers had worked as an assistant under Stead since 2014. Prior to his appointment as head coach it was understood he had to weather a critical review from some players at the end of the

2017-18 season.

However it was no surprise Donkers replaced Stead, given he had guided Canterbury in several campaigns in previous seasons as part of the association’s succession plan.

At the time Curwin said the feedback from the players hadn’t been cause for concern.

Meanwhile, Curwin was confident Canterbury Cricket would survive the financial turmoil created by the pandemic.

Being a summer sport should help minimise the carnage created by a drop in gaming funding and a potential reduction in income from some of the sponsors.

Support from NZ Cricket and the Government, through the wage subsidy scheme, would help the association ride out the storm.

Cash reserves of between

$200-250,000 will help get through the ‘‘dark days’’, Curwin stated.

‘‘It is going to hurt but we will get through it. We will just have to work differently with people doing slightly different roles and spreading ourselves out a bit differently.’’

‘‘From my perspective I just want the best for the Canterbury cricket team. Whether that’s me, or someone else, that’s to be decided.’’