Fletcher in line for contract extension

14 April 2012

Duncan Fletcher - the man described as a "phantom" coach only a few weeks ago - looks ready to commit himself to England, body and soul, for at least another year.

Fletcher is back in Cape Town today, beginning a short break before embarking on this winter's pre-Christmas assignments to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

But before Fletcher and England leave for Dhaka on 7 October there seems every chance he will have extended his contract beyond its current finishing date of next September.

The 54-year-old Zimbabwean, who was appointed coach in 1999, came in for some criticism midway through this summer's series against South Africa.

"He seems to get away with murder," said former Test batsman Geoff Boycott. "He's the phantom coach, he just hides in the background." Fletcher, though, has retained the complete trust and respect of England's players with former captain Nasser Hussain describing him as a "brilliant coach".

Even before the series against South Africa was levelled in thrilling fashion at The Oval, Lord's bosses had opened discussions about extending Fletcher's contract for a second time following last year's 12-month add-on.

"The England and Wales Cricket Board have approached me," said the coach.

Fletcher was typically guarded about the negotiations, but he sounded keen to continue beyond the end of next summer. "I feel confident with the side and what I've got to offer," he added. "There is a lot of work to be done and I can contribute to helping those cricketers who come into the side."

Fletcher , who is seeking British citizenship, would not be short of job offers if he decided to quit the England post a year from now. He was successful with both South Africa's Western Province and Glamorgan, who won the County Championship under his guidance in 1997.

But the ECB are likely to offer Fletcher a contract extension before October and board chairman David Morgan said: "Duncan has done a very good job and we'll be in touch with him while he's in South Africa."

If Fletcher has one major concern, however, it is English cricket's failure to fully embrace the central contract system. He would like to see as many as 20 players directly employed by the board rather than the six yearlong contracts on offer from this October.

The game, between a Bunbury XI and a Barmy Army side led by Dermot Reeve, starts at 4pm with £5 admission for adults and £2 for children.

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Fletcher in line for contract extension

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