Redbacks part ways with coach Jamie Siddons after nearly five years in charge – Jason Gillespie tipped to be his replacement
Jamie Siddons has coached his final season for South Australia. The end of his tenure comes as the Redbacks are staring down a third-straight Sheffield Shield wooden spoon. A favourite son is tipped to replace him.
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Jamie Siddons has resigned as South Australian coach, with Test great Jason Gillespie headhunted to make a dramatic homecoming next season.
It can be revealed Siddons today mutually ended a five-season reign as Redbacks coach with South Australian Cricket Association.
Former Australian batsman and assistant coach Greg Blewett will take charge for SA’s final Sheffield Shield game of the season against Queensland starting next Tuesday in Adelaide.
The Redbacks qualified for consecutive Shield and one-day finals during Siddons’ initial two seasons in charge, but is staring at a third-straight wooden this campaign.
“Unfortunately, the Redbacks have not been performing to our expectations in recent seasons,” said SACA chief executive Keith Bradshaw.
“We acknowledge that the Redbacks played in consecutive Sheffield Shield finals in Jamie’s first two seasons as head coach, and also played in One-Day Cup finals in 2015-16 and 2017-18.
“I also know that Jamie is very proud that South Australia has had several players represent Australia across all three formats in recent months.
“On behalf of SACA, the Board, management and staff I would like to thank Jamie for his efforts as coach and, over a longer period, his outstanding service to South Australian cricket.”
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Siddons took personal leave for the final two Shield games before the Big Bash League hiatus as he battled with the effects of a back injury and grief over the passing of his father.
Gillespie declined the Redbacks role in 2015 while based in Yorkshire and in contention for the England head coach role eventually won by Trevor Bayliss.
Gillespie has refused to countenance any discussion of the state coaching role while filled by friend and former Shield winning teammate of Siddons.
He is No. 1 on SACA’s wishlist of candidates with Ryan Harris another top shelf candidate.
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Gillespie could align his Adelaide Strikers head coach role with the Redbacks as SACA conducts a root and branch review of a system without a Shield title since Siddons won as skipper in 1995-96.
Gillespie is currently plotting Sussex’s pre-season where he will have Test batsman Travis Head and Rashid Khan as overseas professionals.
Having recently signed a contract extension at Sussex, Gillespie would almost certainly serve out this northern summer before joining the Redbacks full time.
Gillespie has a young family making the security of a home appointment logical and enticing.
Developing talent and winning titles is in Gillespie’s coaching DNA.
Yorkshire won back to back County titles in 2014-15 under Gillespie with England skipper Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett flowering under the 71-Test Australian paceman.