Former national cricket coach Allan Douglas is setting his sights on another top job -- presidency of Bermuda Cricket Board of Control.

It may not happen in the next couple of years but the former Bermuda wicketkeeper sees himself in the hot seat presently occupied by El James.

"I'm going to be president one day,'' vowed Douglas, who presently serves as an executive committee member.

"Why must I go there, dilly-dally around for years and years and not strive to go to the top? El James doesn't want to be president for long and that's my vision, to be president.

"I'm assistant secretary and I'm happy there for now, but I want to get in position to make some major decisions, without a doubt. I'm for the sport of cricket and want to make major decisions for Bermuda's cricket.

"I want to make major decisions for the players, to see that the players get represented well and are compensated. I have clear visions for where we should be going and because of that I know that I should get myself in position to be able to do that.'' Douglas was one of the best wicketkeepers of his generations, up there with the likes of Dennis Wainwright and Barry DeCouto of the recent era. At 42 his playing career with Cleveland has all but ended as he moves into other areas.

"I'm not even playing much and haven't even been around the boys of Cleveland much,'' he said.

"I will go around there in the next couple of weeks, working with them. But (coach) Grant Smith is doing a good job, so I'll let him have free rein and try not to interfere. He's working on getting the level two coaching (certificate).

"I just saw a part of their game against Social Club when they bowled them out cheaply and then I left. Actually I got more of a kick out of watching my son play for Clearwater. Herbie Bascome and I were down there umpiring some of their matches, watching some good youngsters coming through.'' Douglas has recently been teaching in the prison but feels working more with youngsters might be his calling.

"I'm looking at a lot of young players coming through and while at school or home they are still under some guidelines. My concern is that I don't believe that all these young boys are going to come through and be available for Bermuda cricket.

"When I was coming along there wasn't the social problems that we have now, so I'm not blind to think that all those under-13s and under-15s are going to be saviours at 21. As president I would like to see that every player playing for Bermuda's senior team mentors one or two young boys.'' Douglas is pleased to see that Glenn Blakeney wants to end his three-year exile and return to the national team.

"I read that article and wanted to call him but didn't know where he was,'' said Douglas of the talented batsman.

The pair had a falling out after the ICC Tournament in Malaysia as Blakeney took a self-imposed exile in 1997, but Douglas has put that behind him. By all indications, so too has Blakeney who is enjoying his cricket again with new club St. David's.

"I can see that he's determined to come into the Bermuda team, he's got a wonderful attitude and I was quite impressed,'' said Douglas.

"I just wish him all the best. I don't have time to worry about grudges, I see the good in the guy and as far as I'm concerned that's all that's necessary. He's playing, making some runs and that's good for Bermuda.'' Allan Douglas: eager to replace El James as BCBC president.