Geoff Lawson Interviewed for Pak Coach role [Merged]

Lawson flies out for Pakistan interview, safety guaranteed

Will Swanton
June 17, 2007

FORMER Australian speedster Geoff Lawson flew out of Sydney last night to be interviewed for one of the most volatile jobs in world sport.

Lawson will be interviewed for the job of Pakistan coach. The position is vacant after the death of Bob Woolmer in March during the World Cup.

Police initially claimed Woolmer was murdered in a Jamaican hotel room by a combination of poisoning and strangulation after Pakistan's shock first-round exit. They have since ruled that Woolmer died of a heart attack.

Lawson is on a shortlist of three with countrymen Dav Whatmore and ICC high performance manager Richard Done, Lawson's new-ball partner for the NSW Colts in 1977.

Lawson was due to fly from Sydney to the Pakistan capital of Islamabad at 9pm yesterday after being given assurances of his safety if appointed.

"I was told that my personal safety was guaranteed. The Pakistan cricket board have chased me, I haven't chased them," Lawson told The Sun-Herald.

"Given what's been revealed about Bob Woolmer - that he wasn't murdered - it changes the story about the job. I don't think my wife would be letting me go over there if the verdict had been murder.

"I've made a lot of enquiries to a lot of people and I wouldn't be going all the way to Islamabad unless it was a realistic proposition.

"I've been told the initial reports about Bob were overblown and out of context. If I go over there, I'll be working my bum off to make Pakistan the best side they can be."

Lawson admitted there would be immense pressure from the Pakistan public for the team to re-emerge as a Test and one-day powerhouse.

"I would say the Indian job probably carried the most intense scrutiny in terms of the public," Lawson said.

"In both jobs, you have a few losses and the heat is on. But it's the same way in Australia, anywhere.

"I see Pakistan as a highly talented but underachieving side and that would be a great challenge for a coach, to get them playing at their best again. If there's one thing they don't lack, it's potential."

Lawson believes Whatmore is favoured given his experience coaching Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Done replaced Woolmer at the ICC 2½ years ago when Woolmer took up the Pakistan job. Lawson claimed 180 wickets in 46 Tests from 1980-89 before finishing his career as NSW captain and then coach.

He said if he missed out he would be interested in the NSW job now that Trevor Bayliss has accepted an offer to coach Sri Lanka.

Err, what exactly are Lawson's qualifications to coach a national side?

And exactly how is his personal safety "guaranteed"

I dont think he has any coaching experience.

I'm sure he's a journalist at the moment - doing ocassional commentary for TV.

And his nick name is 'Henry'

I recall him as one of the Aussie fast bowlers from the days of the Aussie rebirth ( round the time of Kin Hughes)

Ehhh...no? Never heard of this guy before. Seems useless.

he coached his state side New South Wales??? when he reitred from cricket

he is the coahc of NSW, a senio coach as well who teaches adn advises junior coaches.
what pissses me off is "he wanted his safety guaranteed". hate such people

I' sure he went into Media staright after retiring.

Dont recall him ever being coach.

Any of the Aussies out there know?

I think I have his autograph from his visit to Pakistan with the Aussie team ....

coaching his state side is something I read in an article in the "Kon baneyga coach" thread, and I think it was NSW. I think it said he was the captain their and after retiring ciached them

From Wiki:

"my safety is guaranteed" What the hell , get out....

i want my safety to be guaranteed when i go to Pakistan.....musharaf should hire a body guard for all of us....

Musharrafs safety isnt even guaranteed.

What the hell is he thinking?

That is probably one of the funniest articles I've read in a while. I wonder though how much security there is around an international coach. I suppose they enjoy having bodyguards etc.

lol true

Why is Lawson even being considered for this job - are we really that desperate ?

The guy has commentated on a few matches, I dont even think he's been involved in any coaching of late - how he's been shortlisted is beyond me.

Thats why I was surprised to see his name on the shortlist. Hes a good bowling coach but doesnt really have any senior coaching credentials.

A couple of years ago he was the main scout/talent spotter in the UNSW trials but dont know of anything higher than that

he is an aussie and apparently, thats enough for teh PCB

If someone is insisting on spurious "safety guarantees" before even stepping foot in Pakistan (and making a huge deal out of it in the quotes he has given), then I don't give a damn if he wants the job.

He's not good enough.

I've had enough of this pathetic treatment of Pakistan, likening it to some post-apocolyptic "wasteland", devoid of civilisation. If thats what those ignorant fools think, then to hell with them. We don't need them.

The more we pander to this type of outrageous stereotype (providing over-the-top and unnecessary security for any white man who asks for it), then the more we perpetuate this idiotic myth.

I reiterate, if ANY prospective candidate even so much as peeps about "security", then he should be instantly booted out of the reckoning. WE DON'T NEED YOUR SORT HERE! PERIOD!

Well said, i was thinking the same thing aswell. Some of his quotes seemed like he was doing us a huge favor and that they are far superior than us. Nothing like that should be tolerated by the PCB.

Change of plans Jeff - you will be flying into Peshawar and taking a wagon to Wana. Allah willing you will be safe. Good luck with the presentation.

Australian would 'work my bum off' in coaching role

Pakistan board eases Lawson's safety concerns

Cricinfo staff

June 18, 2007



Geoff Lawson: "I don't think my wife would be letting me go over there if the [Woolmer] verdict had been murder" © Getty Images



Geoff Lawson has flown to Islamabad for an interview for the Pakistan coaching job. Lawson, who is one of three Australians being considered for the role, said his interest in the position had hinged on the results of the Bob Woolmer investigation.

Lawson was contacted at short notice for the interview and left Australia on Saturday night after receiving assurances over his safety if he was appointed. "I was told that my personal safety was guaranteed," Lawson told The Sun-Herald. "The Pakistan cricket board have chased me, I haven't chased them.

"Given what's been revealed about Bob Woolmer - that he wasn't murdered - it changes the story about the job. I don't think my wife would be letting me go over there if the verdict had been murder."

Lawson, who has previously coached New South Wales, said three weeks ago that "a thousand planets would have to align for me to take on that job". However, the developments in the Woolmer case and Paksitan's decision to chase Lawson appear to have changed his mind.

"I've made a lot of enquiries to a lot of people and I wouldn't be going all the way to Islamabad unless it was a realistic proposition," he said. "I've been told the initial reports about Bob were overblown and out of context. If I go over there, I'll be working my bum off to make Pakistan the best side they can be."

Lawson said he understood it would be a high-pressure role but that was to be expected in international coaching. "I would say the Indian job probably carried the most intense scrutiny in terms of the public," Lawson said.

"In both jobs, you have a few losses and the heat is on. But it's the same way in Australia, anywhere. I see Pakistan as a highly talented but underachieving side and that would be a great challenge for a coach, to get them playing at their best again. If there's one thing they don't lack, it's potential."

Pakistan have also shown interest in Richard Done, the former New South Wales fast bowler, and Dav Whatmore. The board hopes to have the new coach in place in time for the team's tour of Scotland in July.

© Cricinfo

People are making mountains out of molehills here. Where I live, security is part of everyday life.

I guess Pakistan is a peaceful country. No robberies. No murders. No hijackings. No rapings.

Pakistan is considered one of the high risk countries and rightly so too, law and order is in shambles here so why are people getting worked up over this? I guess truth hurts.

Nah its not this way.. Its the way we feel about Afghanistan or Iraq. People living there aren't so insecure, the way we feel they are, from here. Whenever people have actually started living in Pakistan they feel it a lot more secure. Of and On a few things do happen but you need to stay away from troubled places and you are safe..

I am guessing bomb blasts on weekly basis is your definition of feeling secure.

Look its not that a bomb goes off every week here, Yes its not as secure as many other countries. but have you ever seen a person complaining once settled in Pakistan. I doubt that many people would've stayed back if they felt their life threatened. How many people have you met who would be on the prowl for a foreigner

Classic PakPassion, people bashing him already and he isn't even our coach.

He DOES have coaching experience......he was coach of New South Wales and he has had positions advising young up and coming coaches.

Lawson eager for Pakistan chance

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cri...tan/6764531.stm

Former Australia fast bowler Geoff Lawson has described coaching Pakistan as "one of the most important jobs in world cricket".

Lawson is one of three candidates to succeed the late Bob Woolmer and was interviewed in Bhurban on Monday.

"Pakistan are impressive when they play well, and are frustrating when they play bad. But they are a good group of men who can be motivated," he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board hope to make an appointment next week.

Rival candidate Richard Done met PCB officials last weekend and Dav Whatmore, the former coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, will do so on Wednesday.

Lawson, meanwhile, admitted that he was initially reluctant to accept an invitation to attend while Woolmer's death in Jamaica during the recent World Cup was still being investigated.

"It is fair to say I changed my mind after it was announced Woolmer died of natural causes," he said.

The 49-year-old paid tribute to the former Pakistan coach, adding: "We crossed paths nine months ago and apart from his coaching abilities, which were superior, he was a good human being and the world of cricket will miss him."

Lawson took 180 wickets in 46 Tests during the 1980s and has coaching experience with state side New South Wales.

"I am honoured and feel great pride to be among the candidates. Pakistan have a bright future and that's what brought me here," he added.

At least we have candidates that are interested in our post and see that we have potential and talent to work with, unlike another country who interview people for the sake of interviewing or too make up the numbers!

Anything else to say?

ballay ballay

Shava Shava

Encountered something with my Safari browser which caused the message to be displayed like that sorry!

Hopefully they wont hire Whatmore as he didnt think that Pakistan was worthy of his duties, now that he was not hired by India he wants to come to Pakistan as the SECOND chiuce. Lets go with Lawson, DOne or Boon and maybe Aqib JAved as he is familiar with our young talent, having been the U-19 coach.

yep WHATMORE SHOULD NOT BE APPOINTED AS COACH HE JUST INSULTED PAK TEAM

SAYING THEY R indisciplined

we shoud go for someone like LAWSOn who is showing some interest and he is doing good over past yr or so as NSW coach

Yep pretty excited about the prospect of having Done or Lawson as our next coach! (Watmore can go **** off!)

The futures bright!!! The futures Green!!!!

you watch we will end up picking whatmore - you can see it coming with Dr Lotta, i hope i am wrong tho

Don't know much about his coaching credentials but if he can transfer even half of his heart (He used to bowl with venom for long periods and never quit trying) to some of our wanna bee fashter men...we would be twice the team right away!

What? Compared to South Africa?

Quite probably!

Lawson showing why he is inexperienced!

One sound slap from Shoaib and he will come to his senses.

Would be a shame to lose him to coaching, as he is a fantastic commentator. Though I guess thats selfish of me. Good luck anyway which whomever's selected.

we gave the world Waqar back. what more can people want?

SA is much worse than Pakistan, but it all depends for an individual where you live, work, drive etc. etc.

Everyone is used to their own environment, thus Lawson's comments about "safety guarenteed" sound ok to him, but stupid to a lot of others.

Anyway, I dunno if he is the best option. Dav "Wants More Money From India" Whatmore is probably a better coach by far.

Lawson was easily the most accomplished cricketer out of the short list, so that would give him legitimacy in the eyes of some...

I have never been a fan of the "most accomplished cricketer makes best coach" line of thinking that people tend to believe in.

If you look at the stats of most of them, they were just provincial/state players and the odd international player, but in general never cricket stars. (I am speaking about SA here).

I think it takes a special breed of person to be a successful coach!

I dont follow that philosophy either (apart from Bobby Simpson, did any great cricketer actually become a great coach), but there are some people here and some former cricketers in Pakistan who felt that Greg Chappel was a better option than Woolmer, partially because he was the better cricketer. Now while Lawson wasnt a great cricketer he did have a proven track record in international cricket so that might end up appeasing some people.

It is often argued that 'average' cricketers end up making better coaches because their inadequencies and shortcomings often make them reflect on their game more than a better cricketer would have. Now while their own ability prevented them from improving to a greater level, this isnt to say that they wont be able to push players with greater ability to greater heights.

Being good and knowing why you are good and what makes you good are not directly related.

Some people are good because they have, unknowingly, chosen the right permutation of attributes that are needed for success. They just do what they do and the results appear.

The coach is needed because there are other people who have not stumbled upon the right permutation of attributes for success and need to be shown it. A person who himself has not been successful is more likely to have studied the process of what is needed to be good and perhaps also discovered some of the difficulties in following some of the remedies. He is therefore more likely to become a good coach.

It is not as simple as - good player = good coach OR bad player = bad coach. The chances are that a mediocre player with the right bent of mind to have studied why he as not as successful as he would have liked to have been is more likely to make a better coach.

Couldn't we get Rameez to coach Afghanistan?

Some down here would be shocked. Henry was a good player for Aus. Broke his Jaw in 88/89 against the Windies at the WACA. It was from a vicous Curtly Ambrose bouncer. Merv Hughes was so scared to bat that AB had to declare.

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/aus...layer/6272.html

I honestly don't know how he would do as a coach. But did Captain New South Wales for 4-5 years. So that may be why they are interviewing him.

Growing up he was one of my favourite bowlers. Had a lovely action. Together with Alderman carried the Aussie attack during a rough period.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cri...tan/6764531.stm

Lawson eager for Pakistan chance

Lawson last visited Pakistan with the Australian team 25 years ago
Former Australia fast bowler Geoff Lawson has described coaching Pakistan as "one of the most important jobs in world cricket".
Lawson is one of three candidates to succeed the late Bob Woolmer and was interviewed in Bhurban on Monday.

"Pakistan are impressive when they play well, and are frustrating when they play bad. But they are a good group of men who can be motivated," he said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board hope to make an appointment next week.

Rival candidate Richard Done met PCB officials last weekend and Dav Whatmore, the former coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, will do so on Wednesday.

Lawson, meanwhile, admitted that he was initially reluctant to accept an invitation to attend while Woolmer's death in Jamaica during the recent World Cup was still being investigated.

"It is fair to say I changed my mind after it was announced Woolmer died of natural causes," he said.

The 49-year-old paid tribute to the former Pakistan coach, adding: "We crossed paths nine months ago and apart from his coaching abilities, which were superior, he was a good human being and the world of cricket will miss him."

Lawson took 180 wickets in 46 Tests during the 1980s and has coaching experience with state side New South Wales.

"I am honoured and feel great pride to be among the candidates. Pakistan have a bright future and that's what brought me here," he added.

TBH, I don't see how he will be made coach over the likes of Whatmore. Whatmore would clearly be the much better choice.

You are right! Whatmore seems to have a clear advantage agianst the other two candidates. He has proven track record and seems like a great prospect for Pak team.