BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Feb 2, CMC – New West Indies head coach Ottis Gibson said yesterday he was looking forward to the challenge awaiting him in developing regional cricket.

The former West Indies fast bowler was appointed to the position on Monday, ending weeks of speculation over his return to the Caribbean to replace Australian John Dyson who was fired last year.

“I am really excited about the new challenge and I am very happy to be involved in West Indies cricket again,” said Gibson, who played two Tests and 15 One-Day Internationals.

“West Indies cricket has always been my passion. I was excited as a player to represent the West Indies and I am honoured to be appointed as the head coach.

“It is a privilege and I am really looking forward to working with the West Indies and everyone involved in West Indies cricket. I fully understand what cricket means to the people of the region and I hope in time we can make cricket in the West Indies strong again.”

Gibson spent the last two years as England’s bowling coach, after flirting with the then vacant West Indies head coach position following Bennett King’s departure.

The 40-year-old quit the position last week ahead of England’s six-week tour of Dubai and Bangladesh but praised the England and Wales Cricket Board for the opportunity he had been given.

“I would like to thank the ECB for the opportunity given to me since 2001 as a national coach for North West of England and then as bowling coach for England for the last two years,” Gibson said.

“It was a tremendous opportunity and I am sure the experience I gained will help me in my new role with the West Indies team unit.”

Gibson will assume duties in time for the start of the Digicel Series between the West Indies and Zimbabwe from February 28 to March 14.

As head coach, Gibson will be responsible for all West Indies teams and will be expected to provide leadership, guidance and direction to all coaches.

According to Ernest Hilaire, the West Indies Cricket Board’s chief executive said they were delighted  to have acquired Gibson’s services.
“We are delighted to have Ottis Gibson as our new head coach of West Indies cricket. We are at a stage in the development of West Indies cricket where we believe we have the players who are capable of taking the game to the next level,” said the WICB top official.

“Ottis has the experience and knowledge to work with players at all levels, as he demonstrated with the England team.

We are confident he can help to chart the way forward for West Indies cricket.”