Alleyne could look abroad
9:22am Thursday 26th June 2008
GLOUCESTERSHIRE cricket legend Mark Alleyne is looking into the possibility of coaching overseas.
Alleyne, who was one of the most successful captains in the county's history, is currently out of work and taking a summer off after being axed as Gloucestershire's head coach in February this year after four years in charge.
As cricket becomes a more global sport following the boom of Twenty20 cricket and the introduction of leagues such as the Indian Premier league, there are now more opportunities for English players and coaches to earn a living abroad.
After spending 22 years at Gloucestershire as a player and a coach, and captaining them to seven one-day trophies in a glorious five-year period, Alleyne had become synonymous with the club.
However, the former England international still has ambitions to coach at the highest level after feeling his spell at the County ground came to a premature end, and is currently taking level four qualifications, which is the highest possible accreditation. And he is hoping to find work with another county or with a club in another country within the next year.
Speaking to the Gazette after captaining a PCA XI against Gloucestershire academy at Thornbury on Sunday, Alleyne said: "I've got a rare summer off, and I'm trying to get my teeth into a few things.
"I'll definitely go into coaching, and I'll be looking for opportunities domestically or abroad."
Alleyne's departure from Gloucestershire came at a surprising time, with less than two months before the start of the cricket season, and with nine months left on his contract. The county are currently trying to lure back his predecessor John Bracewell for the start of next season.
But the former all-rounder says he doesn't feel bitter about the situation, and has been back to Bristol on a couple of occasions to see his old side in action.
He believes they will be disappointed by the way the first half of their season has gone.
"I've been down to the ground a couple of times and unfortunately it's been raining," he said.
"You've got to move on. I don't feel bitter, I know I did a good job while I was there.
"They'll be disappointed with their run so far this season I think.
"They're struggling in the Twenty20 and championship, but they've got the second half of the season to look forward to and try and get some momentum going."