Cricket: Crocker heading south for career change

By RICHARD BOOCK

All roads are leading to Christchurch for Auckland cricket boss Lindsay Crocker.

The man who announced his resignation as Auckland chief executive yesterday will succeed Jeff Crowe as manager of the New Zealand team - apparently in a swept-up managing director-type role.

Although neither New Zealand Cricket nor Crocker would comment yesterday, other Herald sources confirmed that he had been chosen to fill the post, a full-time salaried position based in Christchurch.

Crocker was a first-class cricketer for Northern Districts before retiring in 1990, and wasted no time establishing himself in the business world, taking a position as chief executive officer of the Canterbury Jockey Club in 1994 and 1995.

During his seven years with Auckland Cricket he oversaw some delicate constitutional changes, including altering the method of selection for board members and revamping the club structures.

He also introduced the "club is the hub" concept, which Auckland Cricket pays for to ensure quality coaching and managerial services are delivered throughout the catchment.

From an under-performing province in the mid-1990s, Auckland was steadily transformed back to its former glory under Crocker's stewardship. It can now boast a men's team that has won back-to-back championships, and a women's team that has won the past four titles.

Crocker leaves Eden Park at a time Auckland's finances are in good shape, with ample funds in the bank after having operated at small surpluses or deficits each year.

As for his new position, it was well known that the 45-year-old was starting to look elsewhere, especially after being a front-runner to replace Chris Doig as chief executive officer of NZC in 2001, before being pipped by Martin Snedden.

Crocker is seen as a shrewd tactician and a hard-working facilitator; an experienced operator who will look at all available options and solutions - and possibly invent a couple of others as well.

A former opening batsman, he is known for the frankness of his views and can revel in playing devil's advocate, often challenging familiar assertions and ideas in order to fully examine an issue.

His appointment will be announced upon Snedden's return from an International Cricket Council meeting in London early next month, with the positions of coach and physiotherapist.

Although the record of incumbent coach Denis Aberhart is respectable, there is a growing suggestion that changes are afoot and that either former New Zealand off-spinner John Bracewell or former South Africa coach Graham Ford may receive the nod instead.

It is understood Snedden this week met Bracewell, the present Gloucestershire coach.