Lancs step up search for coach

Mike Watkinson revealed Lancashire have received some "quality" applications

Lancashire director of cricket Mike Watkinson insists Lancashire will not be rushed into appointing a first team coach.

Watkinson was promoted from cricket manager to his current role last month, creating a vacancy for a new coaching position as part of a revamped management structure.

The closing date for applications was last Friday, and Watkinson - charged with leading the search for what is effectively his successor - has begun working his way through a host of high-calibre CVs.

“We have had some quality applicants from the UK and overseas,” he told ecb.co.uk.

“We have attracted some good interest. I’m pleased with the applicants we’ve had.

“We are in the process of going through those and coming up with a potential shortlist.”

While Watkinson is reticent to set a deadline for the appointment, he and Lancashire are keen to have a new man in place well before the pre-season tour to the United Arab Emirates in March.

“We’re not putting any time restraints on this because we want to go through the right process and get the right person in place,” added Watkinson.

“Ideally the right person will be there in time to have some influence on pre-season. We’ve got to make sure we get it right.”