BERMUDA needs a recognised cricket coach from England, South Africa or Australia to replace the departing Mark Harper.

That's the firm belief of three people with a finger on the pulse of local cricket ? player-coaches Ricky Brangman (Devonshire Rec.) and Andrew Manders (PHC), and former Southampton Rangers medium pacer and regular newspaper letter writer George (Friday) Bremar.

While Manders remained non-committal when asked whether the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control (BCBC) made the right decision in not rehiring Harper on a three-year contract, Brangman and Bremar said they were not surprised. And Bremar added that he had long felt Harper wasn't the man for the job.

But the trio agreed that an Englishman, South African or Aussie would have the technique to inspire Bermuda's youth take their game to another level, something which Brangman and Bremar in particular felt Harper failed to accomplish.

Brangman and Manders did not dismiss the idea of hiring another West Indian coach ? provided he had played Test cricket. But Bremar remained steadfast in his support for an Englishman ? preferably Barry Knight who is making his mark as a superb coach ? a South African or Aussie.

"I am not really surprised that the Board let Harper go," said Brangman. "I would like to see us bring in a coach from Australia, that would be good.

"They are more disciplined and seem to know their stuff, and if you look at Australia's programme one can't help but being impressed.

"It's easy to see why they are ranked number one in the world. The Aussies have a way of getting the best out of their players. I can't see us going with another Bermudian, we've already had trying another Bermudian because we've had Winston Reid and Allan Douglas and it doesn't make any sense going backwards.

"As far as getting a player frm the West Indies is concerned, it really depends who it is. If it's a former Test player like Desmond Haynes you can say yes, but I am sticking with an Australian, a recognised name helps a lot."

Andre Manders also liked the thought of Bermuda hiring from England, Australia or South Africa.

"I like the idea because they would take the job a lot more seriously and they would get more respect from our players," said Manders. "I don't know if the Board have money for a big-name coach, but to get one here for a six-month period would help.

"When we had England's Bob Jones here more than 20 years ago and he did well, he got a lot out of our players at the time.

"The West Indies, I wouldn't rule out one from there, a former Test player who the young players recognise may be okay."

Bremar was happy to see the back of Harper, claiming that the Board should have not have had him hang around to the end of his three-year contract.

"I am not surprised they are not renewing Harper, I've always known that he wasn't the man for the job," said Bremar. "He made two big mistakes, when he came here he said that 50-overs cricket was the best for Bermuda and then he turns around a few years later and supports those who says that it wasn't and two-day play was needed just like I have always believed," said Bremar.

"I want to see an English coach, one such as Barry Knight who is now coaching in Australia. Knight is producing some good talent out there, one youngster who has just signed on with an English county side is Mike Hunasey. Remember that name, in fact he also has a brother who is also coming along nicely after being coached in Australia by Knight.

"I can't see us bringing in a West Indian coach, you can't because they are also looking to England for good coaching. Vivian Richards and Andy Roberts went to the Alf Gover school way back and that's where they improved their game."