Club Q&A with Head Coach, Jimmy Adams

Head Coach, Jimmy Adams talks to the official website about his excitement at joining Kent County Cricket Club, and how he plans to turn around the Club’s fortunes on the field.

Followingthe departure of Paul Farbrace, the Kent committee scoured the world looking for the best man to lead the side back towards Division One cricket. Adams is the man now tasked with leading a group of gifted cricketers at the redeveloped St Lawrence Ground.

Since his arrival in early February, the veteran of 54 Test matches has been working with the players during pre-season training at Canterbury, ahead of a 10-day warm weather camp in Antigua from March 7th. This is his first job in county cricket, but certainly one he looks set to relish.

How excited are you by the opportunity at Kent?

I’m very excited. It’s great to be involved in a high performance environment. Being involved with cricket in Jamaica clearly whetted my appetite, and this is a very exciting opportunity for me.

Have you always wanted to get into county cricket?

It was always an option, and one that I was keen to explore ever since I retired from professional cricket. Things have changed a little since I played county cricket (with Nottinghamshire) but the core of what happens hasn’t changed significantly, so that will certainly have a bearing on how I look at things –but I will also be guided by the guys involved here at Kent.

The team endured a difficult 2011. Are you confident you can turn it around?

The resources are here and I am looking forward to playing a role in that process. I will work very hard with the Captain (Rob Key) and the players and I hope that we will enjoy some good times.

Before taking the job with Kent, you coached the West Indies Under-19s and you weretechnical director of Jamaica. So, what type of coach are you?

How long have you got? This is a tough question – and one that I could answer in a number of ways. Ultimately, my aim, I guess, is to put a strong system in place. I want to be in a position where I do my job well – knowing that if I die tomorrow, a system is in place that will allow the team to be successful; with or without me. I want my players to get to the point where they can do what needs doing and, in an ideal situation, I want a powerful and strong enough environment to maintain the successful times.

There are somepromising young cricketers coming through the Kent Cricket Academysystem.The likes of Adam Balland Adam Riley made great strides in the first-team last season. Do you intend to continue to give youth a chance?

I have already spoken to Simon (Willis – High Performance Director) about this. At the end of the day, for the sake of the Club, you want to create an environment where the young players are capable –balanced by the needs of the team, and whether spaces are available within the team.

Do you view this as a short or long-term appointment?

I’m here for as long as Kent wants it to be. It is my aim to build something successful and I aim to start positively. We are off to the Caribbean for pre-season training. The weather is generally good and it should give the players a few days of guaranteed outdoor work. By the time the season comes around, everyone should be dying to get involved and play their part.

Three new players (Charlie Shreck, Michael Powell and Ben Harmison) have joined the Club so far. What are your aims for this season?

Well, time will tell. I’m not going to make bold predictions. All I will say is that I am looking to create the best possible environment – one that helps to improve the players; both individually and collectively. If I do that then, hopefully, everything else will come.

Finally, your appointment has gone down well with Kent Cricket supporters, have you got a message for them?

The supporters are important at any Club, and I know that their positive contribution means a hell of a lot to the players. We want them to keep giving their support, but we certainly don’t take their support for granted. The relationship needs to continue to grow and this will happen if we play successful and exciting cricket.

Photo: Sarah Ansell – SarahCanterbury.com