KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Former West Indies Test fast bowler Michael Holding of Jamaica is expected to be signed on as a coach for the Bermuda ICC Trophy team shortly.

Speaking from his New Kingston Service Station office yesterday, Holding confirmed that he was currently involved in discussions with the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control about the post and that the situation was now in the hands of the board.

"The final details have not been worked out, but I have told them that I would be available on a short-term basis,'' said Holding.

The board has been searching for a prominent international coach for some time since the departure of Englishman Doug Ferguson. The name of another former West Indies Test player and captain -- Rohan Kanhai -- has also been mentioned.

But he is said to have been unable to accept the post because of other commitments.

Holding said that he was aware that a few others had turned the position down because of prior commitments and noted also that he had originally told the board that work priorities at his business, which he only purchased two years ago, would prevent him from taking on a straight four-month post and travel with the team to Kenya, which is what the board wanted.

After Holding first turned down a full-time post for the four-month spell, the board suggested that he consider a shorter stint of about 10 working days for each of the four months. Holding has since told the board that he was agreeable to this reduced period.

Now he is awaiting confirmation, something he was expecting after board president and UBP candidate Ed Bailey was finished with the election.

"Because of my business here I told Bailey originally that it was not feasible for me to leave for an extended period. But he and his committee came up with the 10 days for each month and I told them that I would be able to do it,'' said Holding.

Holding, who had initial talks about coaching with Bailey during last year's Test series between Pakistan and the West Indies, said that the only drawback was that he would be unable to accompany the Bermuda team to Kenya. The trip conflicts with the England tour of the West Indies, where he will serve as a commentator.

He also indicated that he does not like to go away for extended periods because of the business and as a result has not done any coaching outside of Jamaica since he coached St. Kitts in 1990. Holding brought the St. Kitts team to Bermuda.

Holding said that Bailey has briefed him on Bermuda's needs for the build-up to the ICC trophy.

MICHAEL HOLDING -- Four 10-day stints.