Moles streamlines support staff

Andy Moles has recruited specialist skills coaches to work with New Zealand

New Zealand coach Andy Moles has moved quickly to stamp his mark on the national team, announcing a reduction in the number of support staff for the Black Caps.

While previous coach John Bracewell favoured a large supporting cast, Moles has opted to cut the number of personnel, especially on match days.

Bracewell’s methods came in for criticism earlier this week after New Zealand’s humbling in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide, his last match in charge.

Former captain Martin Crowe questioned the use of a consultancy firm, Leading Teams, and the peer assessment programme and Moles confirmed no representative from Leading Teams, a psychologist or batting and bowling coach would be with the team on match days from now on.

He hoped that decision would result in clearer lines of communication between himself, captain Daniel Vettori and the players.

The new support structure will still include a pool of specialist coaches but they will only be with the players in the lead-up to matches.

“My priority in shaping the support team is to provide the best possible environment for the players to focus on their own performance,” said Moles.

“We will use networks of specialist coaches to help prepare the team during the lead up to matches.

“For example, in the three days prior to the Dunedin Test, NZ Cricket elite coaching manager John Wright will be among those working with the team.

“On match days, however, the support team will consist of just myself along with the team manager, physiotherapist, fitness trainer and video analyst.”

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said it was always expected that an incoming coach would bring a new approach and a change in personnel in the support area.

“We are fully supportive of the changes Andy is proposing,” he said.

“We've been well served by our support staff in the past, but Andy has signalled he wants to bring a different style to this aspect of team management.

“A sharper focus on player accountability and performance is a positive step.”