Former West Indies cricket team captain, Richie Richardson, who was recently appointed Team Manager of the regional outfit, is saying that fans should not expect overnight changes.
Richardson, while speaking with OBSERVER Sports yesterday, said he knows that everyone will be looking towards him to make instant changes and for the regional team to begin playing better instantly, but warned that there are certain courses and steps that must be taken before positive changes could start taking effect.
“I know everybody is looking for change and they are looking for a turn around and they are looking for the team to win and all that sort of stuff, (but) my job is basically to manage the team,” Richardson said.
“There is a manual in place and there are certain things I have to do as a manager and I just look forward to doing them is a very positive way and an effective way. Most important is that I do a good job, get along well with the coach, the players, with the other management staff and first to gel as a unit and play good cricket.”
The former right-handed batsman added that he wishes not to turn the position into a Richie Richardson show but instead, will seek to walk hand in hand with the players in improving the standard of the game at the regional and international level.
“First off, I have got to assess what the situation is and try to understand the players and obviously command the respect of the players and work with the players,” he said.
“I have said it over and over again that the problem in West Indies cricket is not just (at) the top; you have to start a process from the grass-roots, so people are expecting for me to just go there and turn things around. I don’t think it works like that.”
Richardson, who began his career with the Leeward Islands in 1982 as an opener, said he thought that he would be happy to lend his expertise in a technical aspect as well.
“I will be working very closely with the coach and if he wants me to assist in any area then I would be more than happy to do so,” he said.
“I am also a qualified coach. I certainly would not try to override the coach in anyway, but I would certainly be willing to work with him. If he wants me to assist with the batsmen or any other aspects of the game I certainly will play my part.”
Richardson joined a successful West Indies Test team captained by Clive Lloyd in 1983/4, batting in the middle order.
He was a flamboyant batsman and superb player of fast bowling. He was famous for his wide-brimmed maroon hat which he wore in preference to a helmet against even the fastest bowlers.
He captained the team 24 times, winning 11 matches. In the four years of his captaincy, West Indies only lost one series against Australia in 1995 which was West Indies’ first series defeat since 1980.
