Viv's let-down

St John's - Former West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards has expressed disappointment at not being selected as coach of the West Indies team, but has promised to support new coach Roger Harper.

'I am disappointed, but I believe that we have to give support and get behind who is selected. The most important thing is West Indies cricket, and we can never, ever forget the objective, which is the success of the team,' said Sir Vivian, who played in 121 Tests, scored 8 540 runs and holds the distinction of being the only West Indian skipper never to have lost a Test series.

'The important thing to remember is that West Indies cricket is much bigger than individuals who make the decisions,' he said.

But Sir Viv's mother is very upset.

'I am finished with West Indies cricket,' the Antigua SUN quoted Grathel Richards, as saying. 'Not even my radio will be turned to Test cricket or anything that has to do with the West Indies.'

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) on Tuesday named former Test vice-captain Harper of Guyana as the new coach to replace Sir Vivian who served in an interim capacity during the ill-fated tour of New Zealand between December and January.

Harper's assistant, Jamaican Jeff Dujon, a former West Indies wicketkeeper/batsman, and Kittitian manager Ricky Skeritt, a former manager of the West Indies youth and Leeward Islands sides are expected to begin their three-year appointments on March 1.

WICB chief executive officer Steve Camacho said that Harper was 'the most well-rounded and qualified candidate' from a short list of candidates the board interviewed at its headquarters here last weekend.

He added that there had been 'a very strong field of candidates for all advertised positions'.

'We are working on ways to best use the talents of those who were not chosen but who obviously have a lot to contribute to West Indies cricket, including Sir Vivian,' Camacho said.