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Harper hopes to regain lost Windies glory

The team's competitiveness and the preparation of young players were two of the issues which Harper believes needs to be addressed.

"We need to improve on the consistency of our players,'' Harper said.

He added: "I think a problem is that a number of young players are coming into the team without much preparation. That is the key to the young players doing well.

"We also have to teach our youngsters properly, they need a properly structured coaching system. We need to get the youngsters and have them taught the basics at an early age and have a framework developed that allows the youngsters to progress through the various stages.''

The West Indies Cricket Board on Tuesday announced that Harper, a former Test off-spin all-rounder, was the new team coach; Jeffrey Dujon, the former Test wicketkeeper/batsman, was his assistant; and St. Kitts businessman Ricky Skerritt was manager for a three-year period beginning March 1.

The WICB also announced the appointments of Dr. Rudi Webster as performance enhancer and Ronald Rogers as physiotherapist/trainer for the imminent home series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

West Indies have had a terrifying run of form in recent times culminating with a 2-0 whipping in Tests and 5-0 drubbing in limited-overs internationals by New Zealand recently.

Referring to the team's lacklustre performances, Harper feels a more competitive spirit had to be promoted and more cricket needed to be played in the Caribbean.

"I think there are several areas than can be improved on right now and that needs some attention,'' said Harper, who has coached the A-Team over the last three seasons with distinction.

He continued: "For instance, we need to be more competitive and that means perhaps playing more cricket. That means you have to look at improving the club structure (in the individual islands), then you have to look at the Busta Cup (West Indies first-class championship) and the Red Stripe Bowl (West Indies limited-overs competition). Then the West Indies team will begin to see a lot more quality players.''

The 36-year old Harper, who took 46 wickets in 25 Tests, has had no discussion yet with the rest of the management team, but said they would be hoping to get the Caribbean side to play together and maximise its potential.

Even though it is Harpers desire to see West Indies cricket returned to its glory days, he noted it was an objective that could not be achieved overnight.

"If you want to talk about a revival in terms of our overall power and dominance, then you have to talk long term,'' he said.

"Naturally, I am delighted to hear that I have been appointed and I am just looking forward to serving.

"I have no illusions about the size of the task ahead and I will be looking forward to working closely with the team.''

Harper along with the rest of the management team will assemble in Jamaica on Thursday to have their first meeting with the WICB.

An announcement about a shortlist of 20 cricketers for training and possible selection is also expected on Thursday.