Said is back as coach

Pro returns to Renfrrew

Renfrew Cricket Club have confirmed the return of former overseas professional Ahmad Said as their new head coach.

The 41-year-old was the committee’s number one choice to take over the vacant position at the Deanpark side, following a lengthy application process.

Renfrew confirmed they received a number of applications, all of which were from outside the United Kingdom.

Said is well-known to Renfrew, having regularly featured for the side over the course of the past five years, originally as overseas professional before taking on the role of captain in recent times.

It is Said’s experience of coaching in his home country of Pakistan that has also led to his appointment, with the committee impressed with the work he has put in his local region of Mardan.

A club spokesman said: “Ahmad brings with him a wealth of experience both in Scotland with Renfrew and in his various coaching roles in Mardan, Pakistan, his local region and with his department WAPDA.”

Said’s background has saw him rub shoulders with a number of Pakistan stars.

He made his One Day debut in 1998, and the subsequent year he made his First Class debut for Rawalpindi against Sargodha.

The Sargodha team had emerging players Misbah- ul- Haq, the current Pakistan test captain, and Mohammed Hafeez, the current Pakistan T20 captain.

Upon his return to Scotland, Said will take on the primary role of coaching the first team – but with the club keen to increase its output in schools in Renfrew, he will also be expected to implement their development programme.

A spokesman added: “Ahmad will lead a team of dedicated club coaches in delivering the primary and secondary schools programme in Renfrew and actioning the club’s Junior Development Plan.

“Ahmad, who will also plan and undertake all Senior and Junior training sessions, is expected to start his post in early April.”

Said will kick-start the side’s season with a local derby, as Renfrew travel to face recently-relegated Kelburne on the opening day of the season.

Opening five fixtures: April 28, Kelburne v Renfrew; May 5, Renfrew v Stenhousemuir; May 12, Glasgow Accies v Renfrew; May 19, Renfrew v Weirs; May 26, Helensburgh v Renfrew.

Ahmed brings with him a wealth of experience, both in Scotland and Pakistan and with WPDA