Vettori gets backing of predecessor Reid

	John Reid feels Daniel Vettori needs to have a say in his players © AFP Enlarge
Related Links News : Mills backs Vettori as selector News : Vettori and Moles aware of pitfalls of increased power News : Vettori and Moles in New Zealand's selection panel Players/Officials: John Reid | Daniel Vettori Teams: New Zealand

John Reid, the former New Zealand captain, has backed the decision to elevate current captain Daniel Vettori to the national selection panel. Last week, Vettori - and coach Andy Moles - was formally appointed to the four-man selection panel, comprising Glenn Turner (chairman) and Mark Greatbatch, to carry out a dual role last performed by Reid in the 1950s.

"He's got my full blessing, without doubt," Reid told the New Zealand Herald. "You can't captain a side if you haven't got confidence in the players, and you've got to have a say in the players."

Reid captained an inexperienced team in England in 1958 that lost the series 4-0. On returning home, Reid decided that he too wanted a voice on selection matters.

"I wanted to be a selector because I wanted to have some control in the team I was going to captain," Reid said. "Certainly to talk [with the selectors] about tactics and have a say in implementing them off the field, so I could use them on the field."

Reid captained New Zealand in 34 Tests between 1956 and 1965, winning three and losing 18 games. However, he is best remembered for being a dynamic batsman, suited for the one-day game, and an agile fielder.