Most people remember Mike Hendrick as the tall gangly fast bowler of the Seventies with the beautiful high sideways action. In a first class career spanning from 1969 to 1984, the Derbyshire and England star took 770 wickets (ave 20.5) and held 176 catches. He played 30 times for England taking 87 wickets (ave 25.8) and held 25 catches. While most of his more memorable moments were with the ball, he was a genuine tail-end batsman who loved to hit out.
Clarence Hiles caught up with Ireland’s first professional coach after a couple of months in the job…
CH – You finished playing in 1984 after a long fight with injuries. Where has Mike Hendrick been in the last 11 years?
MH – After I stopped playing at Notts, I was on the reserve umpires list for a couple of years, but there were few openings to get into the county scene in those days. I also had a very enjoyable spell with Radio Trent covering sport, and with BT on their cablecall service. For 18 months I was Team Manager with Notts, then self-employed as a specialist coach. That role has given me tremendous experience, working with the England Under 15,17 and Under 19 teams, the England Amateur team, and the England A team. I’ve also worked with the Mickey Stewart development of excellence programme, the National Cricket Association, Durham County Cricket Club, Derbyshire and the Yorkshire Academy.
CH – So what attracted you to this position?
MH – The advertisement was sent to me by a friend, so I decided to go along and meet the Irish Cricket Union officials. I was very impressed by their enthusiasm, ambition and commitment. They convinced me of the potential so I accepted the challenge.
CH – And how much did you know about Irish cricket before that meeting?
MH – I have to confess not a lot! I knew some county sides and the touring teams came here but had no idea about the strength of the game. However, I spoke to David Lloyd who has been here a few times, and he paid a glowing tribute to Irish hospitality. That was a start!
CH – Your initial contract period is six months. Realistically, what can you hope to achieve in that time?
MH – Not a Lot! The initial period suits both partners. We have got to look at each other carefully, then see if we are going in the right direction before making any longer commitment. I’m learning all the time, and that’s very important before I start to put my ideas into place. But I’ve been very pleased with the response of the players so far, and in particular the young players introduced into the squad this season.
CH - You can’t influence events on the field of play. Some people might have preferred a player/coach. How do you answer this point?
MH – It would be a waste of a place on the team to have me included. We want to develop local talent and a good team captain. After all, he’s the most important man on the field. I see myself as his eyes and ears off the field, but of course, I still have plenty to say in the dressing room.
