Emrit hopes to bring change to Red Force if named coach

RAYAD Emrit was named as one of the 18 applicants for the head coaching job for TT Red Force when the deadline expired on April 30. The veteran all-rounder believes his positive relationship with current and future national players gives him an advantage for the job.

On his decision to apply for the job, Emrit said, “I thought about it long and hard because (Mervyn) Dillon did a decent job the year he has been there. I seriously considered it knowing that I have played with most of the guys in the team and I think I have a lot of respect from them and some of them asked me to put my name forward. There are a lot of talented players in our country and hopefully, if I get into a position to work with these guys, I can make a change.”

Last year, Emrit coached at Comets Cricket Club, and he is the current national U-17 coach. He also led a bowling clinic for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots before CPL 2019. He added, “It is a decision I made on what I think is the best move going forward, and obviously having the respect from the guys in the team is a bonus.”

He has already analysed some of the challenges. “The biggest problem for Red Force over the years is that we haven’t been scoring a lot of runs. We saw this year they scored over 300 runs in only three innings. They are getting there, a team that was building for a long time, so hopefully they understand first-class cricket now.”

The 39-year-old assures his fans he is not hanging up his gear just yet.

“I have no intentions of retiring from playing cricket, I am very keen on playing still, so if given the job I will have to make certain decisions. But obviously I will be restricted.”

Whoever gets the job, he said. "it's an important job and I wish everyone all the best. Once I'm selected I will do my best to move TT cricket forward.”