National cricket coach Roland Butcher yesterday denied that a pending court case in England was the reason for his delayed arrival on the Island.

And the former Test batsman, who was appointed by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control last August, appeared surprised that there was mounting concern over his continued absence.

In an apparent contradiction to comments made by BCBC president El James on Wednesday, Butcher insisted the court hearing early in April, at which he is believed to have been asked to give evidence, had nothing to do with his remaining in England.

"...not at all, not at all,'' replied Butcher, when asked whether the case was the main reason for his delay.

"It's (arrival) not really been delayed. The last time I spoke to someone, I said I'd be there by the end of March, beginning of April. And I will be in Bermuda on Saturday, April 7th, so nothing's really changed.'' Regarding the court case, Butcher said he was unable to make any comment.

"It's a situation which I can't really talk about. You can talk to my solicitor, but I'm afraid I can't say anything.'' Attempts to contact his lawyer, Rick Sherman, were unsuccessful with the telephone number ringing out of order.

Asked whether he was still committed to the post of national coach, Butcher replied: " Of course there's a commitment.

"I've been here in England working all along .. the guys in Bermuda are not just working with what they've come up with, it's work that I've been doing here.

"I wouldn't be spending my time fixing programmes, organising schedules, etc, if I wasn't committed. What's the point of doing that?'' The former Middlesex middle order batsman said family and business commitments were the main reason why he had been unable to move to the Island sooner.

"I'm going away for three years, not three weeks. It's a major upheaval here,'' he said.

"I have major business and family commitments. I am in the process of selling my house, sorting out my daughter's accommodation and handing over my business to my son.'' Twenty-two year-old Paul will take over the Butcher business which has been run in conjunction with Arsenal Football Club.

"We run soccer schools, put coaches in schools, we run football programmes and sports camps all over the country,'' explained Butcher.

"Suddenly I'm introducing my son to all of this. He needs to know everything that goes on around the country, and that's quite a task.

"He's had to change premises because the business has been run from home and we're selling the house. It's just been a long old process and inbetween I've been studying a couple of courses as well.'' Butcher insisted his absence would have no affect on Bermuda's chances of qualifying for the 2003 World Cup when they compete at the ICC Trophy in June/July in Toronto.

"None whatsoever!'' he exclaimed. "This is pre-season. The team is following a pre-season programme that I have set. Whether I'm there or not, this programme wouldn't change.

"When I get there we'll move onto the next level. But everything is on schedule for when we go to Canada.

"At the end of the day, what they're doing is the same thing they'd be doing if I was there. I developed this programme for the squad and they're following it.'' Roland Butcher: Now scheduled to arrive in Bermuda on April 7.