Mike Watkinson has confirmed he is remaining as Lancashire coach.
End to speculation linking him with ECB academy role
Lancashire coach Mike Watkinson is no longer in contention to become the new head of the ECB's national academy.
Watkinson, 46, had been linked with the post which has been vacant since Peter Moores was promoted to become England coach at the start of last summer.
The former England all-rounder was interviewed twice for the vacancy and was believed to be the favourite alongside England spin coach David Parsons.
But after rejecting the chance to be part of the academy coaching staff in India later this month, Watkinson has been informed by David Collier, the ECB's chief executive, that he is no longer on the shortlist.
Very happy
"I'm very happy to be staying at Lancashire," Watkinson told the
Manchester Evening News.
"It's a job that I have done for six years now and I'm really happy that I'm able to continue my work to help build something special, while on the other hand I have been associated with a job that a lot of people see as something that would further my career.
"I excused myself from the India trip explaining the reasons that all the speculation was a bit unsettling on me personally and Lancashire as a club.
"I had issues at Lancashire to sort out, such as trying to find a new captain and I just didn't think that it was appropriate despite seeing it as a great opportunity."
"I received a letter from David Collier saying that I was no longer on the shortlist and that the panel have identified the person to take the position forward.
"It also said that they were sorry for all the delay and uncertainty surrounding the issue."
"Everybody at Lancashire has been really helpful. They have realised that I've been part of the process that has taken place beyond my control.
"Now I just hope we can all move on and work together to continue the work here."
