Red Hill skipper Simon Dart resigns after landing Japanese coaching job

Former Victorian batsman Simon Dart has landed an international coaching job — months after losing his job at Cricket Victoria.

Red Hill captain-coach Simon Dart hoists the premiership cup in 2017. Picture: Valeriu Campan

For Simon Dart, one door closed but another has opened.

The former Victorian batsman was made redundant by Cricket Victoria, where he worked as a participation officer, in March.

Six months later, he has landed an international coaching job — as Japanese Cricket Association high performance manager and national coach.

He was headhunted for the position by Japanese officials over the past week.

“Elite cricket is where I want to head and this is a great stepping stone,’’ Dart said.

“This has come quicker than I expected, I thought it was three to five years away but this has just come like a bullet. It’s a total whirlwind, my head is spinning.’’

Simon Dart with his children Freddie and Jemima. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Dart has been captain-coach of Red Hill Cricket Club in the Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association for the past eight years, steering the Hillmen to three premierships.

He has long held ambitions to coach at a high-level.

Last month Dart signed a three-year contract extension with the Hillmen.

Dart’s new job in Japan means he has relinquished the role at Red Hill but he intends to play for the club when he’s in the country.

Dart plans to go over to Japan as soon as restrictions are eased and his young family will relocate there in January.

“It’s a big move…there is so much in front of me and my family,’’ he said.

“It’s just going to be a great adventure and that’s the way we are treating it.

“It’s a two year contract I’ve signed but in my mind it’s ongoing. You can’t have the mentality of going over there for only two years, it’s got to be a continual thing. That’s how you’ll put your best foot forward.

“The opportunity to work with their talent and to get my finger prints on their pathway and their elite players, to have an influence on a black canvas, is just a great opportunity.’’

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