4 Jul 2018

Next Black Caps coach doesn't have to be Kiwi says Bracewell

8:39 am on 4 July 2018
John Bracewell during his time as Black Caps captain.  Dan Vettori is alongside him.

John Bracewell during his time as Black Caps captain. Dan Vettori is alongside him. Photo: Photosport

Former Black Caps coach John Bracewell doesn't believe a New Zealander needs to replace outgoing coach Mike Hesson.

The 60-year-old Bracewell has been appointed coach of Northern Districts having previosuly coached New Zealand for five years between 2003 and 2008, and most recently Ireland.

Hesson steps down from the role at the end of the month with Canterbury's Gary Stead and Grant Bradburn who's currently coaching Scotland touted as likely replacements.

Bracewell though doesn't believe the replacement neeeds to be a New Zealand although they must understand the team culture that Hesson, former captain Brendon McCullum and current skipper Kane Williamson have established and continue with it.

"As opposed to somebody coming in and going 'I'm going to stamp my culture on it'. There's a well performed, healthy culture that currently exists in (the Black Caps) and a new person needs to compliment that," said Bracewell.

Newly appointed Northern Districts coach John Bracewell.

Newly appointed Northern Districts coach John Bracewell. Photo: Supplied

Asked if he was interested in throwing his hat in the ring again Bracwell laughed before saying "no my hat is well and truly buried."

"I've had my go and I thoroughly enjoyed my experience ...but I've had my time and there are other people on that pathway."

Bracewell wouldn't suggest who had preferred as a candidate for the job but did have some words of warning saying whoever took up the job wouldn't realise just how all consuming it would become.

"It consumes your family more than you can understand. That's probably the biggest burner of all. The job itself is wonderful but the pressures that come on your family they give your time in the role a shorter life than you'd probably want."

-RNZ