Newell rubbishes 'inexperience' argument

Cricket365
April 17, 2014

Nottinghamshire coach Mick Newell has rubbished the argument that he cannot coach England due to a lack of international experience, saying that his credentials with the Trent Bridge side should be more than enough.

Newell has coached Notts for his entire career, and is the longest-serving coach in county cricket. He had his interview for the England head coaching job at Lord's on Wednesday, and afterwards was candid about his experiences as a player and coach.

Newell played 102 first class matched for Notts, with a top score of 203 not out and an average just over 30. He did not play for England, but argued that many famous coaches had brilliant careers without playing stardom.

Newell told the Nottingham Post: "People have said about me not playing or coaching internationally. The panel didn't pick up on it because I brought it up myself.

"I don't get the argument. It's not about what I did as a player, it's about what I can do as a coach. Plenty of coaches in sport haven't had much of a playing career.

"Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson and Brendan Rodgers didn't do so much as footballers and I don't think Arsene Wenger was much of a centre-half.

"Besides, it's not as if I'm going to be playing for England if I get the job."

When asked how the interview, conducted by David Collier, Paul Downton and Gordon Lord, went, Newell said it wasn't a 'grilling' but that he was putting it out of his mind and focusing on his upcoming Notts matches.

He added: "I wouldn't say it was a tough grilling. I would say it was an exciting opportunity. I love talking about cricket so to be able to get my point of view across was something exciting. I think it went fine.

"I'm up against some outstanding candidates so I'll have to wait and see. I've got no idea when I'll hear, pretty quickly I guess.

"In the meantime, we've got no game next week so I'll be working to prepare the team for the next match."