Head Coach Wilson relishing IP challenge
New North West Warriors Head Coach Gary Wilson has been a busy man since taking up his post last month and the multi-capped Ireland International has been speaking this week about how he was adapting to his new role.
With the Interprovincial series getting under way in Dublin next weekend, the 35-year old has been focusing on preparing his charges for their trip south. He has however still found the time to ensure that the Pathway process gets off on the right foot as well, with the help of a solid array of local coaches.
“My role in Pathway is to oversee the youth structure and what’s going on there. We’re very lucky we’ve got a lot of experienced coaches down through the age groups and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the young players as they progress.”
“All in all it’s a completely new challenge and it’s definitely a lot different from just turning up and playing- there’s a lot more preparation and planning but I’m really enjoying it” he suggested. “There’s a lot of talent here to work with and it’s an exciting time for me personally, but more importantly for the guys, with the Interpros just around the corner.”
Asked about how he had decided to approach Warriors selection policy, the former ‘keeper batsman said he went for some good old fashioned straight talking.
“I just started with a clean slate, really. I wanted to find out what people’s goals were; did they want to play for the Warriors, did they want to play for Ireland. It was really just about being honest- there’s nothing wrong with wanting to play club cricket and just enjoy it. I think if you have that honesty and know where you stand then it makes things much easier.”
“It was one of the first things I wanted to do when I took the job- talk to the people I thought had a chance of being involved with the Warriors, and thankfully I’ve had all the right answers so far.”
“It was great to have the conversation with William McClintock for example. Everybody knows William is a really talented guy- one of the cleanest hitters of a ball you could hope to see. He’s in the squad and it’s up to him now but I have to say his attitude has been first class and if it stays like that he can be a real asset for us.”
As for next weekend, the Head Coach isn’t setting any major goals just yet but is certain he will know more over the next few weeks. By then he will have his good friend William Porterfield in the trenches with him and the pair will be keen to bring a competitive edge to the Warriors.
“The matches come thick and fast early on- we have five games coming up in May- but all I’m concerned about is making sure the Warriors are ready. We want to give ourselves every opportunity to compete for some trophies.”
The Warriors start their campaign with a 50-over game against reigning champions Leinster Lightning at Pembroke next Saturday, 1 May before entertaining Munster Reds at Eglinton five days later.
