Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles targets promotion
Friday 10 April 2015 10:00, UK
Lancashire head coach Ashley Giles is targeting promotion and insists the club needs to be playing Division One cricket.
Ahead of the new county season, the former England ODI coach is looking to ensure Lancashire have sustained success rather than jumping between the two divisions.
Giles told Sky Sports News HQ: ““The obvious [target] is promotion. A club of this size we need to be playing in the first division.
“The bigger picture is trying to create something more sustainable and successful over a period here - leave a bit of a legacy. Lancashire have had some success but have been a bit up and down in the county championship.”
Giles, who was dismissed as England's ODI coach last year, added he has not thought about applying for the new role of England’s director of cricket.
He said: “Twelve months ago was told I was surplus to requirements at the ECB, and six months after that I was sitting around twiddling my thumbs.
“I’ve been given a fantastic opportunity with Lancashire. We’re just about to start a new campaign, that’s my focus.
"I haven’t thought about it [England role].”
Meanwhile, Giles also paid tribute to Richie Benaud following the death of the former Australian captain and cricket pundit at the age of 84.
He said Benaud was a “legend” of the game.
“He was one of those guys who I grew up with listening to commentate," he said. “He was a real gentleman, him and [wife] Daphne were a fantastic couple.
“My thoughts are with the family, it’s a great loss.”
