Simmons hardened by Zimbabwe experience by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 22nd March 2007

 

Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons hopes his new assignment as Ireland coach will ease the pain of his bruising experience at the helm of Zimbabwe.

 

Simmons will take charge of the World Cup's most surprising team once the Caribbean adventure ends. That's when current coach Adrian Birrell heads back to South Africa.

 

"My role was to come and be part of the team and to get to know the people. It's been easy because Adrian is happy with it. Basically, I'm an assistant. It's not been hard at all. It's been very easy."

 

The 43-year-old Simmons was officially put in charge of Ireland on March 1, but it was agreed that Birrell would remain at the helm until the end of the World Cup.

 

That agreement will last a little longer now that Ireland have pipped former champions Pakistan to the second qualifying place from Group D of the competition along with the West Indies.

 

Despite his happiness at being involved with the Irish team, Simmons is taking his new challenge in his stride after his controversial stay in Zimbabwe.

 

"Off the field, it has taught me - don't trust many people," Simmons told the Trinidad Express.

 

"It's a sad thing to say, but that's the thing it's taught me through and through. There's not many trustworthy people in the world anymore."

 

His contract with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union was terminated in August last year and he suddenly found himself having to fight a battle over deportation and compensation.

 

"I can't get scarred," said Simmons who watched his new team fight out a last'ball tie with Zimbabwe here last week.

 

"I am too blessed to get scarred. It (Zimbabwe job) taught me different things. It taught me a lesson about life in Zimbabwe which is totally different to life anywhere else I've been."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)