Former NZ coach hits out at Cairns, Doig in new book (2 October 1998)

2 October 1998

Former NZ coach hits out at Cairns, Doig in new book

by Geoff Longley

Former national cricket coach Glenn Turner has launched scathing attacks on Black Cap Chris Cairns and national chief executive Chris Doig in his new book, "Lifting the Covers".

Turner has slammed Cairns as "headstrong, inconsistent, and defiant with an enormous ego," in the book which covers the period of his rise and fall as New Zealand mentor.

Turner cites several clashes with Cairns, including an incident in India which led to his suspension from a match and the well-publicised "walk-out" from the team on the West Indies tour.

'Chris was quick to speak, often thoughtlessly, and believed fervently that individuals have the right to do whatever they please.

"On occasion he was rude and obnoxious and would push everything to the limit. He over-reacted to any form of comment or advice, was apt to take it as adverse criticism."

Turner writes he would not normally highlight the incidents but believes that as they were partly responsible for his removal as coach he would break his silence.

Cairns could not be contacted for comment last night.

"Cairns has been sniping at me ever since presenting himself as a sensitive individual, misunderstood and badly treated by our team management. I am not going to protect him any longer."

Turner says Cairns was convinced he did not like him.

"In fact I came to see Chris as a victim of the negative features of the culture of our time of which cricket is a reflection. I knew his parents well when he and his sister were children and I liked them.

"There is no pleasure in seeing him struggle with the culture of mistrust and manoeuvring which riddles NZC".

Turner wrote to Doig and informed him of the problems dealing with Cairns, whose outbursts he described at times as "volcanic".

"I realise management will always be required to accommodate and control some awkward personalities but that we had a more serious case here."

On the West Indies tour in 1995-96, Turner wrote that relations with some players reached an all-time low.

"At a special team meeting I said I felt a small group was trying to undermine management and railroad the team and send us back to where we were 12 months ago."

Turner said to his dismay three of the most unprofessional players in the team were Cairns, Dion Nash, and Roger Twose, the trio with English county experience.

On Cairns's abrupt departure before the tests against West Indies, Turner writes: "To us Cairns just took off. Most of the players were pissed off with him pulling the plug at this time. Hardly anyone bothered to see him off; he simply disappeared. It was sad and ridiculous."

Turner is critical of Doig and the means by which he was ousted in favour of Australian Steve Rixon at the start of the 1996-97 season.

Turner believes that their clash of personalities directly led to his losing the job after just one season.

In a chapter called The Stealthy Inquisition: Fact, Fiction and Evasion, Turner outlines how he believes Doig attempted to dislodge him.

Turner writes: "I was informed in March before the West Indies tour that Doig had told a prominent person that he couldn't stand me, found me arrogant, and that I thought I knew much more about cricket than I did and that at time he was stuck with me."

"Early on, Doig admitted that he had a big ego. I don't think he liked seeing me, Gren Alabaster, and Lee Germon putting in place methods, standards, and systems that he would not have been able to operate under himself."

"So he said, in my opinion, 'I'll get rid of him'. There's no room for more than one Top Gun in Doig's world."

Doig said yesterday Turner had a "field day" two years ago when critical of NZC and Doig saw no point in looking backwards.

"There seems little mileage in regurgitating history of several years ago. NZC is determined to move forward."

Doig said he would not read Turner's book.

Turner believes he was never given a chance to fairly present his case and details his correspondence with NZC and its processes before Rixon's appointment.

He states the system is flawed and too much power is in the hands of Doig, who has a limited amateur's knowledge of the game. Turner suggests a cricket committee determine the approach to New Zealand cricket.

He ends by saying there is a sickness at the heart of the game in New Zealand.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)