Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) coach Brendan McCullum has thrown his support behind his assistant and former T&T all-rounder Imran Jan for the head coach position of the T&T Red Force.
T&T Cricket Board (TTCB) has advertised the position of head coach for the franchise, as the contract of current coach Mervyn Dillon ends on April 30.
So far Guardian Media Sports understands that Jan, 41, a former national player as applied for the position, as well as former West Indies leg-spinner Samuel Badree. Dillon has decided to also reapply for his post, stating that he has gotten results with the national team, taking them to the second position in the West Indies Championship that was called off with two rounds to go. Dillon said he was unaware that TTCB was going to advertise the position, although the board has stated that it gave him in a letter back in November which outlined its intention. The former West Indies fast bowler said all he received was his letter of appointment as coach from board secretary Surujdath Mahabir.
McCullum said: "Imran is fiercely passionate and is a great man to have in management. I have enjoyed my time being around him, firstly as a player and then as a coach. He has helped us tremendously at the TKR set up and makes life easy for the players. He is easy to get along with and makes the players comfortable. This is a good trait and one that has been appreciated at TKR."
The former New Zealand captain added that the left-handed batsman: "When it comes to his technical ability he is sound and very good and will be a tremendous asset for the Red Force.
"I will like to give Imran a glowing recommendation for the post and if you guys choose him it will be a good decision. He has a lot of offer as a head coach of the Red Force."
The TTCB will close applications on April 30 and then put together a committee to deal with interviewing all prospective candidates. The committee will then send in their recommendations to the executive of the board for ratification.