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Craig Ross has refuted speculation he is the preferred candidate to take over from Lindsay Crocker as New Zealand cricket team manager.
Ross dismissed as "sheer speculation" newspaper reports he was in Dunedin last week to assume the manager's job from Crocker before a hasty backtrack from New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
"I can categorically say there was no commitment, from New Zealand Cricket or myself, that I was going to be the Black Caps manager for the West Indies series," Ross told the Bay of Plenty Times newspaper in Tauranga today.
"It was unfortunate speculation that seems to have come from some journalists from Christchurch who (decided) Lindsay Crocker was on his way out and put two and two together.
"The facts are I was invited to Dunedin as a potential candidate for the Black Caps management job - that's all - to observe and have a look at the Black Caps set-up. No more, no less.
"I assume I remain a candidate for the position but that's work in progress. What I saw in Dunedin was interesting but right now that's entirely in NZ Cricket's hands.
"That puts a totally different slant on some of what's been reported but those are the facts. I've been down and had a look at the set-up and we'll see how it plays out. If I can make a contribution that's good, if not I'll move on."
Ross' role as manager of Baypark Stadium in Tauranga finished at the end of last month.
He had met NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan to discuss his future and believed he could make a contribution to the Black Caps set-up.
"(Now) would have been a great time to get in because there's huge potential there.
"I was super impressed with (new coach) Andy Moles, who will do an outstanding job and is going to be good for New Zealand cricket, and Daniel Vettori is an outstanding leader."
Ross is a former chief executive of Rowing New Zealand (RNZ).
He was charged and convicted on fraud charges in July after using RNZ funding incorrectly.
He used funding intended for the purchase of New Zealand-made rowing skiffs for Italian models instead.
- NZPA
