Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell has spoken of the prestige of the role vacated by Andy Flower having been named amongst a group of early candidates tipped to apply for the post.

Flower is expected to retain some involvement in the setup having resigned from his post as Team Director with limited overs Coach Ashley Giles instated as the bookmakers’ tip to succeed him in the top job. 

“Andy led England through some of the most successful spells in recent memory and he was able to have a very positive impact on the direction of the team,” said Newell.

“At the end of the Ashes series he indicated that he wanted to be responsible for the rebuilding of the team so it took me by surprise to learn of his departure.

“He’s had a massive influence and should take a lot of credit for what England have achieved in recent times, particularly beating Australia a number of times and winning in India.”

Newell, who has previously coached in the England Lions and age group setup, admits his interest in a role 

“England have got a new managing director and chief selector and they’ll take time to assess how the coaching structure will work in the future and plot a way forward,” said Newell.

“Any coach in county cricket will want an opportunity to work with the best players on the international scene and I’m no different.

“It’s one of the leading jobs in world sport and it will be a great honour for whoever gets it.” 

Former Nottinghamshire captain Stephen Fleming is also priced with Tom Moody and Gary Kirsten amongst the front-runners.

Sky Bet Odds On Next Permanent England Head Coach
Ashley Giles 6/5
Mick Newell 3/1
Tom Moody 7/1
Gary Kirsten 9/1
Graham Ford 10/1
Dav Whatmore 10/1
Micky Arthur 12/1
Stephen Fleming 16/1
Jason Gillespie 16/1
Graham Gooch 16/1