SLC ex-co to decide on coach matter this week

The committee headed by Ranjith Fernando and comprising of Mohan de Silva, Nishantha Ranatunga, Nuski Mohamed, Sanath Jayasuriya, Ashley de Silva and Jerome Jayaratne met last week and forwarded some proposals to the SLC executive committee to make up thir mind on who is going be the next Lankan coach.

“The committee met last week and forwarded some options to the ex-co” said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva to the Sunday Times.

“The executive committee will meet this take their decision on the matter” said the secretary of SLC, Nishantha Ranatunga.

At present it seems that from the shortlisted persons Marvan Atapattu and Mark Davis, the Lankan candidate is ahead.

De Silva further said “We have given them the option whether they are going to stick by the shortlisted candidates or still look at the option of a high-end coach. Now it is up to the executive committee make up their minds. As you know the current market price for a high-end coach has gone up. Yet, if the ex-co thinks that they can afford to spend more and go for a high profile coach they could do so.

“If a high-end coach delivers it is good for the organisation. If he produces positive results automatically the profile of the organisation also goes up.”

However member of the committee who opted remain behind the curtain said “We would like to get someone with a good coaching background, but owing to the prevailing situation it looks like it would be Marvan who would clinch the position. I think it would be Marvan even for a short stint – at least till we solve the other prevailing logistical issues. I do not think Davis is still ready to take on a job of this magnitude.”

Primarily there were eleven candidates who applied for the position but, none of them impressed the Lankan committee and then from the second lot of candidates Mark Davis a member of the coaching staff and the incumbent batting coach of the Lankan National team Marvan Atapattu were shortlisted.

Prior to that the Lankan authorities also looked at personalities in the calibre of the former Australian legend Greg Chappell and former New Zealand coach Steve Rixon, but reportedly they turned down offers when they learned about the initial SLC offer.

According to reports though the prevailing Lankan offer is US$ 12,900 plus US$ 2000 allowance, the real price has escalated between US$ 25,000 and US$ 30,000/-.