Dixon

Newly appointed manager of Jamaica's senior cricket team, Deron Dixon, says his role is giving him the opportunity to impart his cricketing and professional knowledge to the players and coaching staff.

"It's been good, although it has had its challenges," said Dixon, who in the mid-to-late 1980s represented Jamaica in regional first-class cricket.

He added: "It's a very interesting and competitive time for Jamaica's cricket at the moment with a number of the players, at virtually the same level, having represented the West Indies but are struggling to be consistent.

"I see it, therefore, as an opportunity to impart my know-ledge and experience, firstly as a cricketer and secondly as a working professional," said Dixon, who is corporate planner with the National Land Agency.

According to Dixon, who is also a director of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), since taking up the post he has had the full support of the players and coaching staff.

Competent and efficient

"I have a very competent and efficient coaching staff who are very knowledgeable about what they are doing and this makes things easy. Also, Junior Bennett was the coach when I managed the youth team in 1996 and David Bernard Sr was the trainer when I played for Jamaica and, as such, there is mutual understanding and respect between all of us.

"I have been trying to bring guidance as it relates to the importance and significance of approach and preparation, while at the same time, along with the coaching staff, creating a context in which players can realise their potential," explained Dixon, who prior to his recent appointments held the post of second vice-president of Melbourne Cricket Club.

However, the former all-rounder pointed out that it has not been smooth.

"Whenever you have a sport that is not totally professional, there will at times be issues, especially relating to resources. But I see where the JCA is trying their best and the players and coaching staff are committed to the task of making Jamaica number one," added Dixon, a past student of Kingston College.