westoelad wrote:Alviro Patterson wrote:Yorkshire and Lancashire, largely based on the inexperienced and uninspiring appointments of new head coaches.
Tongue in cheek comment I assume but is the head coach role not overplayed? Surely long term success depends on the quality of the Academy coaches. Once a player reaches 1st team standard any help then required should come from a psychologist rather than a cricket coach.
Having a strong academy system helps and builds a good base for any county team, but there are players who develop later in their senior career and having a good first team coach makes all the difference. Most cases a late developers improvement comes from a change in technique or training method.
One example under Jason Gillespie, Steven Patterson has improved beyond recognition where he has become a genuine wicket taking bowler as well as building up dot balls. Even when Yorkshire would have all pace bowlers available for selection, Patto often makes up the pace quartet despite a lack of England credentials.
As for Yorkshire relegation, I think it can happen. Pace bowlers are already picking up injuries and there is a lack of depth in the batting department. Two fewer games and no mug teams in Division 1 means a good start is all the more important.