Middlesex unveil new coaching team

Angus Fraser, right, talks with Mark Ramprakash and Richard Johnson in 1995. Johnson is now Middlesex assistant coach

Richard Scott has been appointed at the head of a new coaching team unveiled by Middlesex today.

Scott, 46, the former Hampshire all-rounder, has been appointed head coach, with former England seamer Richard Johnson as assistant and second XI coach.

The Australian Mark O’Neill will serve as batting coach in 2010.

Scott has been in charge at Lord's since former head coach Toby Radford resigned his position in July.

Middlesex are also in the process of recruiting a part-time specialist spin bowling and wicketkeeping coach, and plan to announce their appointments in the near future.

Angus Fraser, Middlesex managing director of cricket, said: “I am delighted with the coaching staff that has been put in place since the end of the 2009 season.

“Many former players and current coaches spoke to me about the positions of head coach and assistant coach but as the 2009 season progressed it became clear to me that Richard Scott was the right man for the job.

“Following the unexpected resignation of Toby Radford in early July, Richard handled himself extremely well in testing circumstances.

Richard Scott, here seen batting for Hampshire in his playing days, takes over Toby Radford's role next season

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“I enjoyed working with him and have been reassured and impressed with the way he works, coaches and treats people. He has no ego, is organised, efficient and gets things done.

“Unlike many modern coaches who like the sound of their own voice, believe everything they say is correct and want to be the star of the show, Richard sits back, listens and works quietly with a player. I believe he has the potential to become an excellent coach.”

On the appointment of 34-year-old Johnson, Fraser added: "I wanted the assistant coach to have a fast bowling pedigree.

"Fast bowlers are the most consistent match-winners in cricket but historically I believe they have not been given the support they deserve.

“Having played with Richard for several years I know him extremely well and have been impressed with the way he has begun his post-playing career.”

O’Neill, 50, is the son of Norm O’Neill, the former Australia Test batsman. Mark played Sheffield Shield cricket for New South Wales and Western Australia, playing in 75 first-class matches and scoring almost 4,000 runs at an average of over 35.

O’Neill will be in England for the entire summer, spending a minimum of 60 days with the Middlesex professional and academy staff.

“I believe Mark will prove to be an excellent acquisition for Middlesex,” said Fraser. “He is highly regarded as a batting coach and has successfully worked with many of the game’s leading players.”

Middlesex have recruited Adam Gilchrist as an overseas player for next season's Friends Provident t20, as they look to turn around their fortunes after a poor year which featured just two wins in LV= County Championship Division Two.