Former Test players from all around the world are among the interested candidates in Bermuda Cricket Board of Control's vacant post of national coach.

And they have made inquiries despite the fact that the BCBC have yet to officially advertise the position either here or abroad.

BCBC president El James, while refusing to name those who had approached the Board, said yesterday he had been amazed by the interest the job had created.

He believed many had learned of the post either through the Internet (reading stories on The Royal Gazette website), word of mouth or from ICC officials who James has met frequently over the past year.

"Whatever the reason, word is definitely out,'' said James. "We have resumes and applications coming from Test nations such as South Africa, England, Australia and the West Indies, all quite reputable people with good qualifications and a tremendous amount of experience.

"The amazing thing is that this is happening without us having even advertised the position. We are still putting everything together, as regards the job description.

"I presume that the many media stories that we've had here have been read elsewhere, the word has spread around the world and people are aware that Bermuda is a great place to work.'' Because of the interest shown, James said he was no longer certain that steps would be taken to advertise outside the Island when the Board are ready to make an appointment. "I don't know if we really need to advertise abroad, but we are going to advertise for the job here and whoever hears about it abroad, so be it,'' said James.

The president said many of those who had expressed an interest from overseas would be familiar names to cricket followers, primarily because of their Test status and past involvement in the English County Championship.

To date the only name to have been linked with the post has been that of Bermuda's own Clarence Parfitt who is based in Scotland where he works for the Scottish Cricket Board.

But there has also been speculation that Willie Bourne of Barbados, due in Bermuda to conduct a coaching course this week, may also have an interest.

"We would like to have a coach as soon as possible but we have to be realistic, we cannot do it until everything else is in place,'' added James.

"We have to ensure that the funding is in place, we have to secure some proper training facilities, we have to make certain that all of the school programmes are in place.

"I am pleased that all of this is just about to be finalised. We know what we want the individual to bring to the post, we know what we want his responsibilities to be, we have a job description on paper and it's just about meeting final approval.'' The Board are treating the matter with some urgency as they want to make an appointment in time for the busy international schedule that lies ahead at both senior and junior level.

Their priorities are focused on preparation for next year's ICC qualifying round in Canada and next year's Under-19 World Cup qualifier in Canada.

"It's an exciting time ahead for Bermuda cricket,'' said James.

El James: `People are aware that Bermuda is a great place to work.'