Ashley Giles’ dual role as director of cricket at Warwickshire and England selector is to come under scrutiny after an official complaint was made to the ECB.
John Light, chairman of Gloucestershire, has written to the the managing director of England cricket, Hugh Morris, complaining that the dual roles amount to a “conflict of interest.” Light also raised the matter at the recent county chairmen's meeting.
The complaint centres on Warwickshire’s approach for Alex Gidman. Gloucestershire say the player was told Warwickshire could help develop his career and claim that Giles’ role as a national selector acted as an unspoken inducement.
Gloucestershire have not claimed that Giles has attempted to deliberately mis-use his position, but feel that players may believe they have a greater chance of England recognition if they represent Warwickshire.
“Warwickshire quite properly bid for two of our players,” Light said. “For us smaller clubs, retaining players can be a problem and I feel that Ashley Giles’ dual role gives him an extra advantage.
“There is no question of Ashley behaving improperly. He’s a splendid fellow and Warwickshire have acted totally above board.
“The thing is, when ‘Grav’ [David Graveney] was a selector, we asked him to become involved with Gloucestershire, but he declined because he thought he must remain neutral.
“I wrote to Hugh Morris at the start of last week and also raised the matter with [National Selector] Geoff Miller and at the chairmen's meeting. I cannot put words in others’ mouths, but I think it is fair to say it was accepted that I have a reasonable point.”
It is true that there has been some muttering around the county circuit. Not only are several counties unhappy at the dual roles, but others are unhappy at the way in which Warwickshire have approached several high-profile players so early in the season.
Surrey coach Alan Butcher telephoned Giles to express concerns.
Jealousy and fear are part of the problem. Longer-serving coaches have been surprised at Giles’ quick ascent, while some counties are nervous at Warwickshire’s approach in the transfer market. In truth, they have acted by the letter of the law and, in an age where illegal approaches are far more common, surprised many by the open manner of their dealings.
The issue of dual roles is more problematic but such matters were surely considered at the time of Giles’ appointment as selector and unless any county has evidence that he is mis-using his position, there should not be a problem.
As Giles points out: “It can’t be much advantage, because we haven’t managed to persuade any players to join us. I have discussed the issue with [Warwickshire] chairman [Neil Houghton] and Hugh Morris and I feel I have the full support of the ECB.”
