Ford dismisses Kiwi talk

2008-09-04 15:29

Canterbury - Former South Africa coach Graham Ford dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant coaching position with New Zealand.

The 47-year-old South African acknowledged that he was interested in the position when New Zealand approached him earlier in the season, but that he has had no contact since.

"When New Zealand were touring here they did speak to me but I'm pretty sure they've got their man," Ford told the BBC. "It was only a brief phone call and I did express some interest to explore the option but since then I have heard nothing from New Zealand cricket."

New Zealand coach John Bracewell is leaving the job to take over Gloucestershire next season. Ford did not specify who he thinks will get the New Zealand job, but New South Wales coach Matthew Mott will be interviewed for the position in the next couple of weeks.

Ford said he was happy to stay at Kent, where he is the director of cricket.

"It would have to be something pretty tremendous to lure me away from Kent," he said. "I'm thoroughly enjoying myself and we have had an enjoyable summer."

Ford replaced the late Bob Woolmer as South Africa coach in 1999, but he was fired in 2001. He joined Kent in 2004 and turned down the chance to coach India when offered the job in 2007.

- SAPA