In his latest blog for PakPassion, Ian Pont who has applied for the vacant position of Pakistan cricket team's Head Coach, looks at what makes a good coach and why some are better at it, than others. 

 By Ian Pont (1st May, 2016)

The last great coach Pakistan had was undoubtedly Bob Woolmer. Bob was a Maverick in every sense. His "The Woolmer Way" was the first coaching manual since the MCC coaching manual to impact on a generation. Whilst in charge of Pakistan he found new ways of uplifting his players and was focused totally on developing players in his charge. He was able to invigorate and empower his players that few have been able to achieve since his untimely passing.

Whilst there have been moments of success for Pakistan since Woolmer - and there have been results to lift the nation - the truth is that Pakistan's pathway of development and ingenuity has not progressed as it should. There are many reasons for that, but a lack of skill & talent is not one of them. Bringing those players through and turning them into greats, has been.

Gone are the days when great players came through 'by accident'. And if a country relies upon 'discovering' great players rather than producing them, they will not have long lasting success. This perhaps is why Pakistan Cricket appears to act with the reputation of a naughty child - sometimes brilliant, often frustrating, never boring but always unpredictable. Countries with smaller populations, less cricket players and not so passionate fans, have been able to make the most of their cricket development and produce consistent results.

So the challenge for the new Head Coach will be enormous. Expectations from the fans, media, board, stakeholders and not least the players, make the appointment a particularly difficult one.

Working with subcontinent players is a unique proposition. No amount of job experience can prepare you for it. Understanding the psyche of the players, their fears, failings and rationale, is a vital component of being successful. Getting them to buy in to a new 'fearless' approach to their cricket, where learning is derived from their mistakes where it is actually OK to fail, will be one of the biggest challenges.

Bringing a mixed group of skilled cricketers to all pull in the same direction is a prerequisite. Dressing rooms can be won - and lost - by the Head Coach. Many have lost their job over this single fact. Because once players lose respect, it's all over.

It may require someone with vision and passion to be creative, rather than someone who just follows a formula. It may require someone who is firm but not overbearing, fun but not flippant, strong-willed but not inflexible. A man with a plan, but encourages players to take responsibility and helps them understand what is best for them. The coach needs to be able to understand how to mentor, but how to instruct too. He will also need to be an excellent man-manager.

Basically, it may require a new Maverick. The problem is Mavericks are a bit thin on the ground right now.

Discuss!