yesterday eager to join in the national squad's preparations for the ICC Tournament in Toronto in just under four weeks' time.

While it remains to be seen just what role, if any, the 43-year-old Guyanese coach will play in assisting current ICC coaches Winston Reid and Clevie Wade, Harper let it be known that he was prepared to help in whatever way possible.

"I'm willing to play a role with the ICC squad, I am here to work. I have to have a chat with those in charge and we can work something out,'' said Harper, shortly after his arrival.

"I think having just under a month left for me to give some assistance is not bad, it could have been worse, it could have been less. But I am looking forward to working with this squad until they leave for Toronto.'' Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James, who greeted the coach at the airport, said nothing had yet been decided as regards Harper's involvement with the squad. But he said the BCBC coaching committee would be reaching a decision shortly.

Neither Harper nor James wanted to comment on the circumstances that led to the latest appointment following Roland Butcher's recent resignation, but Harper said he was looking forward to completing his three year contract with the Board. "I am looking forward to the challenges here and doing a good job for Bermuda and the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control,'' he said. "In order to implement a good developmental programme you need a bit of time, it's not something that is going to be sorted out overnight.'' "You need time to set up a structure and see it grow, a three-year period is decent time,'' added Harper, who is the older brother of current West Indies Test coach, Roger Harper.

The new coach does have some knowledge of Bermuda cricket, having been coach when Bermuda played Guyana in last year's Red Stripe Bowl.

"I saw Bermuda last year, I have been following Bermuda cricket from time to time. There is talent on the Island, it just needs to be moulded and structured properly. I think if we really get down to a very good developmental programme, if we get the senior guys a little more focused, I think they could really do well,'' he noted.

While not having the Test experience of his more famous brother, the coach does have impressive coaching credentials combined with a lot of playing experience at a high level.

He played for Guyana's national team both at a youth and senior level and has played first class cricket in the West Indies, having topped the averages in 1986. He also played extensively in England for 16 years, mostly among the minor counties.

Harper's arrival follows an impressive season as national coach of Guyana during which they were losing finalists in the Red Stripe competition.

In the hot seat: National cricket coach Mark Harper of Guyana (left) is greeted by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president El James on his arrival in Bermuda yesterday morning.