Brisbane, Feb 9 (IBNS): The Brisbane Heat will seek a new coach for next season’s KFC Big Bash League following Dan Vettori’s decision not to renew his contract for the future.
Vettori informed team management of his decision earlier in the tournament and it was accepted by the Heat.
General Manager Andrew McShea thanked Vettori for his time with the Heat, firstly as a foundation player and later as coach, a role he took on in 2015 when he became the club’s first stand-alone coach.
“The Heat have been very grateful to Dan for his involvement, as a player from BBL|01, and then as our coach for the past four seasons,’’ he was quoted as saying by the club website.
“It’s an end of an era for the Heat with both Brendon McCullum and now Dan leaving our club and we can only express our deepest gratitude to both men for their passion and dedication to the Heat during their time with us,’’ he said.
“We will take this opportunity to review our planning and our structures and look to make a fresh start in BBL|09,’’ McShea said.
Queensland Cricket CEO Max Walters said Vettori had made a significant contribution to the game since first linking with the organization prior to the BBL when he played for the Queensland Bulls in the initial T20 Big Bash competition.
“Dan has had a long and positive association with Queensland Cricket and we thank him for his insights and commitment over the years. We wish him and his family all the best into the future,’’ he said.
Queensland Cricket General Manager – High Performance Brett Jones said the usual post-season reviews of Queensland Cricket’s coaching structure would include the Heat.
“We’re always seeking the optimal model for our high-performance coaching system and that encompasses all of the teams that Queensland Cricket prepare each season,’’ he said.
“Dan has been dedicated and professional during his time as Heat coach and I thank him sincerely on behalf of the coaching and support staff for his commitment to our game.”
Heat captain Chris Lynn said the team had played last night's game with the knowledge that two of the club's most integral personalities would finish up at the end of the BBL.
"It was important for us to do our best to send Baz off a winner in our last home game but equally so for Dan,'' he said.
"His composure throughout our campaigns has been a constant in the background and I'm grateful to have benefited from his experience and knowledge of the game,'' he said.
The Heat remain alive in the BBL in the wake of last night's record-breaking win over the Melbourne Stars at the Gabba, jumping into fourth spot.
Tonight's match between the ladder-leading Hurricanes and the Thunder would see the Heat stay in contention if Hobart beat the Thunder.
The Thunder would need to win by 62 runs or 46 balls to pull ahead of the Heat on net run rate.
If Hobart win, the Heat would then need the Stars to lose to the Sydney Sixers tomorrow night to qualify for the semi-final next week.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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