Interviews

Mister Wright

Slats: After many offseasons spent amassing one of the most talented sides on paper in WCC, only to be shattered in the season with dissapointing on field performances; Guyana finally look like hitting their straps in season 6. Is the win over rivals Jamaica last weekend a sign of things to come? Therefore this week we are honoured to have Guyana manger, Kyle in the studio with us. Welcome Kyle

Kyle: Thanks Ian, it is great to finally get interviewed.

Slats: Well we usually only give them to the sucessful managers ;) , but how does it feel to finally be the toast of Guyana?

Kyle: To be honest I'm not getting ahead of myself. We started very well last season, we were in the top three in division five in the four day competition last year, only to slip to 5th, and the one day game we were leading the table after six round with only one loss to eventually finish third. I will be after consistency from my players, and we lost a close one in the first one day round, so I'm hoping this (last round) is a sign of things to come.

Slats: To gain consistency it's a matter of keeping your players down to earth and getting the job done week in week out. Do you feel that amongst your players there has been a feeling of complacency seeing that they are playing in division 5?

Kyle: In a way, yes. However when I took over the squad it wasn't that strong at all, so I decided to put a three season plan in place, the first season was about getting some depth in both forms, then in season five my aim was to bolster the batting and this season was to improve the bowling. I tried to keep as many players as I could, because I wanted cohesion, and I think I have a squad capable of promotion in both forms of the game, only time will tell

Slats: We all know that at times during those three seasons of rebuilding that things were pretty tough. Rumours began coming out've the club that you were sick and tired of underachieving and that you were considering leaving? It was believed that Kent put an offer on the table to you to take over from Rich. Are either of these rumors true?

Kyle: No. Those rumours are not true. When I took over the side I had the three year plan, and I will see it out. I will reasses at the end of the season, but I'm pretty sure I will stay in Guyana, I love it here. The only other team I would consider managing is Queensland, I'd love to move back home, but Jason looks like he will be there for a while. I will stay in Guyana as long as they want me here. However, if I can't get the side out of division five in the next season or two it may be time to move on. I see improving the Guyana side as a challenge, and I don't like to give up.

Slats: If you are to gain promotion this season what are do you see as being the one where most improvement is needed? Batting or Bowling?

Kyle: Definitely bowling. We have wonderful batting line-up, our top five in the one day game all average over 50, and 3-6 average over 50 in four day. We have always been able to put big scores on, but defending those scores is a different story. Younis Cole has really been our only successful bowler, but we traded him after last season. We picked up Satti in the draft and we gained Zulch from Northerns and they have performed well so far. Fingers crossed.

Slats: The depth of your four day bowling attack has come under criticism, in that if anything should happen to Satti or Zulch you may struggle. Do you feel like you have enough back up?

Kyle: There is definitely that concern. Our four day bowling stocks do look very thin. We are currently playing two spinners in Zulch and London, and we have Perrera on the sidelines. I'd prefer not to have to use Lawson or Beasley if I have to, but I'm comfortable using Perrera, we also have Clarkson and Ardley as allrounder, but I'd prefer my top four to get the job done. No player has picked up an injury under my management, and that is a credit to the medical staff, so touch wood, we won't get any injuries this season. This season I did concerntrate on getting players who were more economical. In the past we've had strikers, but they are too expensive. Engineer, Zulch and Satti offer that tight bowling and wicket taking ability.

Slats: Now you mentioned your three year plan when u started at the club. Where do you see the Guyanese side in another 3 seasons from now?

Kyle: Hopefully in division two.

Slats: Definately lofty goals, however looking at your side on paper, their shouldn't be an impossible task. Now onto Kyle as a person. You're an experienced manager what is one tip you'd offer to the new guys in WCC?

Kyle: 1) Back your own judgement. 2) Try to mix experience with youth. 3) Don't be pressured to make trades that you don't want to make 4) Have fun! This is a great competition and it is run by some magnificent people, and the WCC community is a very friendly one.

Slats: Out've all the WCC sides which do you enjoy or would you enjoy beating the most?

Kyle: I always love beating Somerset! They have been somewhat of a bogey team for us. They knocked us out of the CW Bar Cup last season and just pipped us for promotion playoff in the one day games last year. I also had a good rivalry with Rik (former Mashonaland manager) we used to contest the Red Strife Bowl (One Day) and Slogan Cup (Four Day). Hopefully I can reignite that rivalry with the new Mashonaland manager.

Slats: Where do you see yourself Kyle in 15 years time?

Kyle: In 15 years time, I'd love to be known as the manager that brought a team from the gutter to the penthouse and kept them there. I'd also like to do it again for another team, that would be wonderful, I just hope WCC will continue and be strong forever. I'd also love to mentor Jimmy Jenkins in becoming the greatest batsman that WCC has ever seen, I truely believe he has the potential.

Slats: Hopefully with some successfully implemented three year plans along the way you can get there. It's been an interest insight into how Guyana and in particular Kyle have kept going over the past three seasons, we wish him all the best. Thanks for your time.

Kyle: No worries Ian, thanks to all the Guyana supporteres and to the WCC community, may this season be the best yet.