ILLY_CRITICAL_GRAVENEY_22MAR1996

Graveney comes out fighting for top job

BY PETER DEELEY

RAY ILLINGWORTH last night criticised behind-the-scenes lobbying on behalf of David Graveney, his contender for the position of England`s chairman of selectors.

Illingworth singled out Mike Smith, chairman of champion county Warwickshire. At his Yorkshire home, he said: "I think it is out of order the way the Warwickshire executive has been going about trying to influence opinion. It isn`t my job to do that sort of thing and I won`t stoop to it."

Graveney, 43, general secretary of the Cricketers Association, and Illingworth, 63, the current chairman of selectors, were the only two nominations when the deadline for candidates expired yesterday.

The 18 first-class counties plus MCC and Minor Counties now have only a short time - until next Monday -to cast their postal votes. Twenty-four hours later the Test and County Cricket Board executive committee will meet to discuss Illingworth`s other current role, that of England manager.

Personalities may have a part to play in the choice. When Illingworth was appointed chairman of selectors two years ago, the other contender was Smith, also a former England captain.

Since then England have won five and lost seven of the 22 Tests played and the vote will almost certainly bring to an end Illingworth`s dual responsibility.

Illingworth would favour handing over to John Emburey - he is less enamoured at the thought of Ian Botham

In the year since he also became manager, succeeding Keith Fletcher, England drew the home series with West Indies and were beaten in both Test and one-day series in South Africa, where Illingworth`s hand could be seen in the denunciation of Devon Malcolm.

Then followed the World Cup humiliation and England`s early departure, which has brought criticism raining down on Illingworth and the captain, Michael Atherton.

Graveney, in his "union" role, has been advising the Derbyshire fast bowler in the TCCB disciplinary matter being brought against Malcolm over his comments on returning home from South Africa. Graveney would of necessity have to give up that job if appointed Illingworth`s successor.

During the World Cup Illingworth made it clear that even if he was to be re-appointed manager it would only be for the double summer series against India and Pakistan.

Illingworth would favour handing over to such as John Emburey, who managed the recent A tour of Pakistan. He is less enamoured at the thought of Ian Botham, who has said he would like to become involved in the England managerial set-up.

But Graveney makes it clear that he would like to involve men such as Botham and Mike Gatting in the preparation of the national team on the grounds that they are in touch with the present breed of player.

He represents what might be called the "younger guns" of English cricket, seeking to bring a breath of fresh air to thinking at the top of the game, and it is unlikely that Graveney will want Illingworth to stay as manager if the vote goes his way.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)