Helensvale name Paul Baird as their new cricket coach

Returning Helensvale coach Paul Baird says his focus is on continuing the evolution of a cricket club that has enjoyed a talent explosion in the past decade.

RETURNING Helensvale coach Paul Baird says his focus is on continuing the evolution of a cricket club that has enjoyed a talent explosion in the past decade.

The 50-year-old, who is a Hawks life member and hall of fame inductee, mentored the side to a historic first Kookaburra Cup grand final in 2017-18 before stepping back from duties last term.

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The popular batsman, who has amassed 4218 runs during his time at the club, had previously spearheaded the club’s promotion to first grade by captain-coaching the side that won the 2012-13 second grade title.

Now, back in charge, Baird says maintaining the club’s phenomenal growth is the key objective.

“The club has an exciting to feel to it. I’m feeling refreshed after a year off and feel I can again provide some positive impact,” he said.

Helensvale Pacific Pines Cricket Club have announced stalwart Paul Baird will be returning as head coach for the 2019-20 season. Picture Glenn Hampson

“When I arrived in 2007 the club had three senior teams and no juniors.

“We now have nine senior teams and our junior program has teams in all age groups and includes an all-girls team.

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“That’s evidence that the club is on the right track and when the opportunity arose to coach again it was an easy decision to jump back in.”

Baird hopes to deliver small but significant improvements to the club’s playing stocks.

“I enjoy being around the wider group, we have a lot of fun together and I’m confident I can help them all improve their individual games,” he said.

“The Gold Coast competition feels as though it’s improving too and that’s exciting to challenge your own group against.”

Hawks president David O’Donnell called it “very exciting to have such a well-respected figure” at the helm.

“His coaching experience and organisation is unrivalled at our level,” he said.

“We are hopeful we can go one step better than our 2017-18 grand final appearance.”