Premier Cricket: Camberwell Magpies provide coaching update

The Camberwell Magpies have provided an update on where the club is at in its search for a new coach.

Camberwell Magpies skipper Andrew Fekete sends one down for his side this season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Victorian Premier cricket outfit Camberwell Magpies are closing in on securing a new coach for season 2021-22.

The search began last month after the Magpies waved goodbye to mentor Ian Stanger, with personal circumstances prompting a move back to Western Australia for the former Scottish international.

Stanger steered the club through the 2020-21 season, where the ‘Pies finished 14th with a 4-10-2 record and expressed his “regret” to the players of his decision to stand down.

Magpies president Peter Warner said the club had “about 14” applicants – including three internationally and “10 or so” locals, and an announcement on Stanger’s replacement is expected soon.

“We’re still interviewing – we’ve had a couple pull out that we thought were very good and it’s made us continue on,” Warner said.

“I reckon two weeks will tell the story.”

Warner pointed to the club’s emerging talent as a major drawcard to the position, with it showcasing a number of under-19 and under-17 names this season.

Oliver Jenkins was one of a number of emerging talents to take the park for the Magpies in season 2020-21. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We started on that path and we’re going to continue on that path,” Warner said.

“Ollie Jenkins, under-17, played the whole year and he’s now in the under-19 emerging squad and two others played during the year.

“We’re red-hot on that (junior development) – they’re very young but they’re the next wave.”

Meanwhile, recently retired club legend Simon Hill has not applied for the position.

“I know he’s been approached by a number of sub-district (VSDCA) clubs and so on, but as I see it now, I think he’s going to give it all away,” Warner said.

“He hasn’t applied, and we’ve honoured that wish.”

The Magpies recently crowned wicketkeeper Akshay Kodoth with the club champion award – the Keith Stackpole Medal – for season 2020-21.

Akshay Kodoth claimed the Magpies’ club champion award this season. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Kodoth knocked 431 runs at 26.94 and took in 26 dismissals behind the stumps in what was touted as a “breakout season”.

He started the season batting at No. 7, before a move up the order to three proved the catalyst for the young gun to take the next step.

“We put him up the order and he blossomed – and I can only see him getting better. We’re very hopeful of him,” Warner said.