Paul Downton getting the sack?

[Arthur Crabtree]

The press seem to think the new director of cricket will be a return to the Illingworth style supremo. So he would be responsible for selection (presumably with a couple of county selectors) and have a hands on position with England, presumably reducing the role of Moores.

In this circumstance, it's hard to know why they will need both Moores and Farbrace. Or even if whoever the new person is (the press fancy Vaughan; Vaughan fancies Vaughan) might want their own appointment. Or a new captain.

This type of role was a legendary failure with Illingworth, exposed in Mike Atherton's autobiography. But this was before England had coaches; Athers was left to do everything himself. Given MPV's comments in the past, he would want his captain to lead and his coach to support. I doubt he would see Cook as suitable for that role.

[Aidan11]

Vaughan wont get the job. The press are picking up on an interview he gave for SSN. It's unlikely the ECB have any intention of hiring him.

Whittaker could also be the next for the axe today.

[Aidan11]

Alec Stewart has said he would be interested in the new Director of Traffic Cricket role.

[sussexpob]

Alec Stewart has said he would be interested in the new Director of Traffic Cricket role.

Nice guy, but not sure I have heard much in his capacity of commentator and journalist that suggests he had a deeper understanding of the game. Not that means anything.

[Gingerfinch]

Alec Stewart has said he would be interested in the new Director of Traffic Cricket role.

Nice guy, but not sure I have heard much in his capacity of commentator and journalist that suggests he had a deeper understanding of the game. Not that means anything.

he won't want to upset anyone. He's too nice for me. Plus he'd want KP back, probably as captain.

[Durhamfootman]

What would happen to their cricket 'stables' if MPV or Stewart were to take up the new role? Big conflict of interest, I would have thought.

[Making_Splinters]

The ECB should be looking to recruit from outside Englidh cricket. I am not convinced that any of the names discussed in the press so far have the impartiality the ECB so desperately needs after the ridiculous personal politics of the last year have dragged it through the dirt. Vaughan is too "laddish" to be able to separate personality from responsibility, Stewart is better in this regard and has shown an attitude of being able to deal with even the most difficult of players; Supposedly Roy was quite the problem child and he has managed to work well with KP. That said the culture at Surrey up to the tragic death of Tom is a big black mark.

[Aidan11]

Wonder if Downton will publish a tell-all autobiography.

[Aidan11]

Bugger. No announcement on Whittaker.

He must have kept his job.

[Making_Splinters]

So the ECB have short listed three candidates to interview. The media seems to be going with Vaughan, Strauss and Stewart. Strauss has too many attachments to the dressing room, Vaughan doesn't have the professionalism required and Stewart has not had huge success at Surrey.

Strauss is the first one off the list for me, too close to the likes of Cook and too much of a company man. Vaughan and Stewart both have as many positives and negatives as each other. Well, as long as it is not Flower!

[Aidan11]

For me it's "None of the above".

[sussexpob]

For me it's "None of the above".

Get used to one of those or Flower......

[Arthur Crabtree]

Srewart has at least had a job within the game.

Flower, Gatting, Gooch may be possibles? Surely not.

If we're picking figures out of the media, it's odd Strauss, Vaughan and Hussain get mentioned but not Atherton.

Rod Marsh?

[Aidan11]

wouldn't mind Nasser but he's effectively ruled himself out.

Nice cushy Sky job over a demanding ECB role. No-brainer.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Out of the names mentioned, Vaughan. He has the international experience, He is the best analyst of the game I know of, and he has an inclusive attitude towards available talent.