Gillespie's here for the long haul with Yorkshire

4:00pm Wednesday 14th November 2012

By Graham Hardcastle

Yorkshire’s first-team coach, appointed a year ago, has enjoyed a memorable start to his role, one which he has described as “a dream job”.

The Australian fast bowling legend helped guide the county back to the LV= County Championship’s top tier at the first time of asking, as well as enjoying success in Twenty20.

Not only did Yorkshire reach the final of the Friends Life t20, they also qualified for the group stages of the Champions League t20 in South Africa last month with a depleted squad.

And, although he has not been directly linked to any international jobs, it would be no surprise to see that happen in the near future for a man who has already held coaching roles with Australia A, at the Indian Premier League and at domestic level in Zimbabwe.

But, as things stand, any offer would be rebuffed due to the 37-year-old’s love for life at Yorkshire.

“I’ve got a young family and my wife’s due with our fourth,” said Gillespie, who already has three boys with Anna.

“We’ll have a six-year-old, a four-year-old, a two-year-old and a newborn. Do I want to be away for two months of the year? The answer is no.

“Cutting my teeth at county level at this stage of my career is perfect. I’m not saying I’d rule out an opportunity to coach at international level but at this stage it isn’t on my agenda.

“I spent a couple of years in Zimbabwe, which is a wonderful country. One day I’d like to be involved in their cricket again if they get a few things together. I’d love to help out, but that’s a long way down the track.

“I’m concentrating on Yorkshire and want to be here for a long time to come.

“There’s a lot of potential to win trophies and have some success. It’s exciting and what I want to do for the next few years.”

Gillespie has reserved particular praise for director of professional cricket Martyn Moxon for helping him settle at Headingley.

And Moxon added: “There were some tough decisions made at the end of last season with regards to the support staff, but Dizzy and Paul Farbrace (second-team coach) have had a massively positive influence on the players.

“Dizzy’s philosophy is to keep things simple and enjoy it, and that has shone through this year.”