Former New Zealand one-day cricketer Bruce Blair's has been appointed as coach for the Northern District Knights.
The 43-year-old replaces Chris Kuggeleijn, who last month opted out of his contract with one season running in charge of the Knights.
Blair played 14 one-day internationals for New Zealand, first being selected in the
1985/86 season.
During his first-class career, he became the second highest runscorer in Otago history, scoring 5057 runs at an average of 33.93, including seven centuries, in 90 matches between 1977 and 1990.
Blair also played 10 games for Northern Districts.
He began coaching fulltime five years ago in Manawatu before moving into representative coaching after spending his first three years in development.
When he took over, Manawatu had three regulars in the Central Districts side - at one point last season they had nine.
He is highly regarded as an analyst by New Zealand Cricket, which has contracted him to deliver lectures to national coaches.
Blair's coaching philosophy is said to have huge emphasis on mental toughness and a high work ethic to training.
Blair will take up his three year contract with the Knights early in September.
- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)
