Sir Ian Botham calls on ECB to give counties greater Rewards to provide greater rewards to counties that produce top-notch players through their academy system after Paul Coughlin rejected Durham’s offer
Paul Coughlin’s departure makes Ian Bother Sir Am frustrated Gallo Images/Getty Images
in Durham After NatWest Blast captain Paul Coughlin turned down a new contract and opted in, Sir Ian Botham has called on the ECB to provide Nottinghamshire with a bigger reward through its academy system to counties producing top-notch players.
Botham does not rule out pro-football-style transfer system if satisfactory compensation figures cannot be agreed .
He also slammed cricket’s directors who also serve as England selectors – putting Nottinghamshire on Mick Where Newell takes on such a role,
pugnacious all-rounder Coughlin joins the Nottinghamshire side , the team has won two limited trophies and is poised to return to the First Division Specsavers Championship.
Dahle Mu said they “made a substantial offer to retain his services” but he has decided to accept
” It was a very difficult decision to leave Durham, but I am very excited about joining Nottinghamshire and playing at Trent Bridge,” Coughlin said. “This is a great opportunity to continue my development and I look forward to working with Peter Moores and his coaching staff.”
The Sunderland-born Coughlin graduated from Durham academy and made his debut against the Australian A’s in 2012 at the age of 19 and has since made 29 appearances in that form. This season he took over as captain of the T20 team.
Newell made no secret of Notts’ transfer success: “We think Paul can play in every form influences us in the game of cricket and suits the type of cricketer we want to sign.
” He Is a dynamic fielder, pitches fast and is an aggressive hitter – he’s an exciting young player.
“From our point of view he’s coming to a club where we have a great coaching team and we think They can improve him as a player. We want to help Paul become the best cricketer.”
It’s another blow to Durham, who has been handed a heavy penalty this season for having to seek a bailout from the European Central Bank to keep their Tier 1 status.
Coughlin, who brought and helped with some serious injury issues through Durham’s academy system, Currently injured side injury, will not appear on Doerr this season is this season.
Durham’s President Botham said: “After Paul Coughlin’s decision to leave Durham County Board After Ball Club, I would like to express my disappointment with some issues.
“Despite offering Paul – one we passed our Fostered player academy system and people we have great respect for – highly competitive contract extensions, our full support during injuries, continued development and leadership opportunities; players choose to leave Durham.
“I respect Paul’s right to transfer to the club and understand that at some point the player is in
“However, there’s no question that our secondary league status, point penalties and difficult financial situation have created an opportunity for rival counties and middlemen , giving them the chance to upset the players with First Class cricket, a greater England chance and immediate financial rewards.
“What worries me is that the current arrangements within cricket do not reward those who invest in the academy and develop the County of excited young British players.”
Botham promises Durham will be at the top of the fight Forefront, win greater financial compensation for counties that develop their own players — and support the transfer system if they can’t get the right compensation.
He continued: “The ECB is currently reviewing its cooperation agreement with the counties and Durham will make a strong Strong statement to appropriately reward those who invest in local talent development.
“They need to introduce transfers or similar Compensation system to eliminate potential conflicts of interest by preventing current directors of cricket from acting as selectors and better regulate the behaviour of agents. “
Durham received a direct grant of around £100,000 from the ECB to run their academy, Costs around £230,000 despite tight cost controls
As transfers become more common Clubs that develop players within their own communities are increasingly angry The penalty was busted, even though they’ve had a good season this season is over.
“At the same time, Durham will dedicate all available resources to build a team of players committed to the club and to share our ambition to return to the division and win trophies,” Botham said.
“We are currently negotiating with a number of players from home and abroad for a return to the top flight next season.
Durham’s Academy was rated as outstanding by the ECB and more than 75% of 1st in 2016 Squad XI is from the Northeastern community.
David Hopps is ESPNcricinfo Editor-in-Chief @davidkhopps
