West Indies have appointed Phil Simmons as head coach on a three-year contract, meaning he leaves his position as Ireland coach after eight years.
The Trinidadian will begin work with the multi-national cricket time after the World Cup, heaving previously led Ireland to two 50-overs and four Twenty20 World Cups. Also completing the ICC Associate Nations treble in 2013, Simmons was the longest-serving current coach in international cricket prior to his switch across the globe.
Simmons had been in charge for 224 games since April 2007, and will hope to continue his success with the Caribbean outfit. Michael Murihead, the West Indies Cricket Board chief executive commented on their newest arrival.
He said: “We believe Phil is the right individual for our team and our region at this time, so we want to welcome him back home. Phil has a proven ability to develop players, while cultivating great team spirit and a winning culture.
"We have a number of young, talented players about whom he is excited to be coaching and we believe he is the right fit. Phil has impressed us with his understanding of the current realities of West Indies cricket and his ability to articulate practical examples and strategies of things that could be implemented within the team to improve performance.
“His independence of character and his resolve to stand up for what he believes in were strong qualities that convinced us Phil was best to usher the West Indies team into a new era of success.”
Simmons featured regularly for West Indies as a player – appearing in 26 Tests and an impressive 143 one-day internationals spanning from 1987 to 1999. While he felt it was a difficult choice to Ireland, he simply could not turn down the opportunity to coach a team close to his heart.
“West Indies have a tremendous history and prestige in the game, and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity," said Simmons. There is an abundance of young talent coming through the ranks, and to be able to assist with the development of the future playing talent in the West Indies is fantastic. I can’t wait to begin and I am looking forward to starting work with the players.
“I am excited to be beginning this new chapter in my coaching career and to have the opportunity to create a winning culture. West Indies have a huge following across the world and I have great admiration for the passion fans show for our team. We are determined to give the supporters the brand of cricket and the level of success that we are all looking to achieve.”
Ireland captain William Porterfield praised Simmons following his move, stating he felt the 51-year-old had been a substantial influence on the direction of Irish cricket in general.
“Phil’s been superb for the team and Irish cricket throughout his time in charge," said the Warwickshire number ten. "We’ve all improved and grown as cricketers thanks to his efforts. He’s been a towering presence not just in Irish cricket, but across the world where he is held in such high regard.”
Simmons’ first encounter with his new side will be the home three-match Test series against England in April.