Lancashire play down Boycott coaching link

Lancashire today attempted to play down suggestions that Yorkshire stalwart Geoff Boycott could be linked with their coaching position at Old Trafford.

The former England and Yorkshire opening batsman had been named by Lancashire chairman Jack Simmons in connection with the vacancy following Bob Simpson's announcement that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

But in a statement in which any reference to Boycott was conspicuously absent, Lancashire sought to clarify the situation.

The statement read: "After recent speculation about the future coach of Lancashire County Cricket Club, the club wishes to point out that as yet no decisions have been made.

"It was decided at a recent general committee meeting, following the decision of Bob Simpson not to seek a renewal of his contract, that there would be a period of reflection and discussion before the way forward was decided."

The statement pointed out that no prospective new coaches, Boycott included, had yet been identified in the three days since former Australia coach Simpson announced he would be leaving Old Trafford.

"No names have been discussed, and no one has been approached over the position," it continued.

"It is expected to be some weeks before a decision is made, and further discussions will take place at the next full committee meeting in September."

But on a day of confusing statements coming out of Old Trafford, Simmons again added more weight to a Boycott link.

"Geoffrey would not be out of the equation if he wanted to apply. If he wants to apply and he can come for what we normally pay then he would be assessed with the rest," said Simmons.

"We want the best, and if the best were a Yorkshireman so be it," he said.

But Simmons was not sure the club could afford Boycott, who was paid £30,000 for 15 days' work by Pakistan earlier this year.

"He is an excellent coach, but I do not think he would want to come back to the daily routine of county cricket," Simmons told Sky Sports.

"We could not afford him anyway. When you talk about £30,000 for three weeks coaching Pakistan - if you are to believe what you read - then there is no way we could afford it."