Jamie Siddons replaced as Redbacks coach after dismal effort against Victoria
South Australia’s struggles in the Sheffield Shield prompted the SACA to meet with Jamie Siddons. Now the search is on for a new coach.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Cricket authorities continue to monitor coronavirus impact at home and abroad
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
South Australia’s lacklustre performance against Victoria in the penultimate Sheffield Shield round at Adelaide Oval, especially with the bat, sealed Jamie Siddon’s fate as coach.
The Redbacks managed only 214 and 216 runs to lose by 182 on Monday and fall to the bottom of the points ladder. They are in serious danger of claiming a third successive wooden spoon.
Rather than delay discussions until the end of season review, SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw and general manager high performance Tim Nielsen called a meeting with Siddons, discussing the positives of the season, but also the disappointing finish against Victoria.
Watch LIVE coverage of the best international & domestic cricket on KAYO with FOX CRICKET’s unmatched commentary line-up. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
It was agreed the time was right for a coaching change despite Siddons having a year remaining on his contract. Bradshaw describes the “chat” as amicable and said Siddons was open and honest, his concern being for South Australian cricket and acknowledging it was best to move on after five years in the role.
Greg Blewett will take charge of the team for the final round clash against Queensland starting on Tuesday at Karen Rolton Oval.
Former Test fast bowler and Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie has emerged as favourite for the job, although Bradshaw was adamant the SACA had yet to speak to any likely candidates.
The process to appoint a new coach has already started and Bradshaw is confident it “won’t take long” to build a shortlist.
“We felt at the end of the meeting it was important to make the decision so there was clarity for the playing group and to enable us to get into the market for a head coach,” Bradshaw said.
“We need someone in place as soon as possible. The contract period opens up in April and we want the coach on hand for that list management.
“There has been speculation on the coach and there are some very good candidates out there. I want to be clear that it would have been totally disrespectful to Jamie to have had any conversations with any potential coach.
“The role of Redbacks coach is probably one of the most important, if not the most important position within SA cricket. It will be a thorough process.
“There are a number of coaches out there we are very hopeful will apply for the position. Dizzy (Gillespie) is a very successful international coach, has done a great job with the Strikers and he is known to us. He would be an obvious choice to be one of the lead candidates.”
Changes to the playing list are a given with Bradshaw claiming there are opportunities to refresh the group.
He said SACA had been in contact with other states to get an understanding of which players were coming off contracts.