Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
ROBERT HAYNES. - FILE
ROBERT HAYNES has tendered his resignation as head coach of Jamaica's senior cricket team, following the team's dismal performance this season.
Brian Breese, chief operations officer at the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), confirmed Haynes' resignation when contacted yesterday.
"I got the letter this morning, which I think was sent to me last night."
Asked if he was surprised, he said: "Yes, a little surprised."
However, while The Gleaner failed to get in touch with Haynes yesterday, he had earlier shown signs of frustration.
"As a coach and you are not winning, you are always under pressure. When you win everyone will come and shake your hand and say well done, but when you lose a couple games people want to cut your neck and that's just the way of life," Haynes told The Gleaner two weeks ago in an interview following the team's return from the eastern Caribbean, where they had suffered heavy defeats to Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
FRUSTRATED
"I am very frustrated," Haynes said while pointing to their excellent performance last season when they won the regional.
At the time, he had also indicated that his role would've had to be reviewed by the JCA, and himself.
"We have to look at where I stand and what I am doing. If probably they need somebody new, that's the way they have to go because right now I always believe Jamaica's cricket is bigger than everyone ... and if it is time for me to go, then it's time for me to go. But I honestly believe the players have a lot of talent," he said.
When asked at the time if he can contribute more to Jamaica's cricket Haynes, who played eight one-day matches for the West Indies, said: "Of course I can contribute more. I have been contributing for a long time and we have been doing well. There is no doubt about it.
"Jamaica has been doing fairly well ... we haven't been doing well in one-day cricket, but in four-day cricket we have been there and about, we have won a few cups, and we have been in the top two," said Haynes, who also played 65 first class matches and took 221 wickets with his leg spin.
HENDRIKS SURPRISED
While expressing surprise at Haynes' resignation, JCA president Jackie Hendiks said they have to move on.
"From what I gather from his remarks to us, it's that he has been with coaching for quite a long time and there are other areas in which he wants to spread his wings," Hendriks said on a local radio programme yesterday.
"Haynes has made a great contribution to Jamaica's cricket and obviously we are very sad to see him go ..."
Hendriks said they will advertise the post of coach for the national senior cricket team.
Fact file
(Robert Haynes as Jamaica's cricket coach)
1999
Led Jamaica to semi-finals of the Busta Cup.
Jamaica failed to reach the final of the Red Stripe Bowl.
2000
Won the Busta Cup by beating Leewards on 1st innings.
Jamaica beat Leewards in the final of the Red Stripe Bowl.
Jamaica lost to South Africa A by 79 runs in a one-day practice match.
2001
Led Jamaica to semi-finals of Busta Cup.
Jamaica won Busta International Shield over Guyana.
Jamaica lost to Windwards in the semi-final of the Red Stripe Bowl.
Jamaica lost to South Africa by six wickets in a one-day practice match.
2002
Led Jamaica to Busta Cup title with most points.
Jamaica lost on first innings to Guyana in Busta International Shield final.
Jamaica lost in the semi-final of the Red Stripe Bowl to Guyana.
2003
Led Jamaica to final of the Carib Beer International Shield.
Jamaica lost to Barbados in the final of the Red Stripe Bowl one-day tournament.
2004
Led Jamaica to final of the Carib Beer Series.
Jamaica and England drew a four-day practice match.
Jamaica failed to past the first round of the President's Cup.
2005
Led Jamaica to the Carib Beer Series title and International Shield crown.
Jamaica failed to make it past the first round of the KFC Cup.
2006
Jamaica finished at the bottom of the standings in the Carib Beer Series.
