Lancashire relegated: Paul Allott says Glenn Chapple won't coach and captain next term

Paul Allott reckons Glen Chapple is unlikely to be both player and coach for Lancashire next season.

Chapple, 40, took over the coaching responsibilities at the Red Rose county when Peter Moores was appointed as England supremo earlier this year, and combined that role with skippering his side, as well as bowling key overs.

Lancashire made the final of the T20 Blast this term but slipped back into County Championship Division Two after failing to beat Middlesex in their final match.

Lancashire committee member Allott was one of the men who appointed Chapple as coach, but told Sky Sports that the club stalwart must now make a big call over his future.

“Coaching is a very difficult job in its own right but when you’ve got to open the bowling and captain the side too, I think Glen will sit down and admit it was probably a bit too tricky,” said Allott, whose county are relegated after just one season in the top flight.

I don’t think he can be head coach, captain and bowl.

“We don’t want to lose Glenn, either as a bowler – if he decides to carry on bowling – or as a member of the coaching staff, as he is highly thought of and handled himself admirably this year.

“But I don’t think he can be head coach, captain and bowl."

Accurate

Chapple – who has claimed 970 first-class wickets since debuting for Lancashire in 1992 – took five scalps with the ball in the clash with Middlesex at Old Trafford, as well as contributing 45 runs with the bat in his solitary innings.

And Allott and fellow Sky Sports pundit Dominic Cork reckon the Yorkshire-born veteran can flourish for his club next season, whether he acts as player or Head of Cricket.

“He is 40-year-old but is still one of the top bowlers in First Division cricket,” Allott said of Chapple, who has played one ODI for England, against Ireland in 2006.

“He hits the bat hard, gets good carry and bounce, always asks questions of the batsmen and is as accurate as he has ever been.

“His innings to ease Lancashire past the 300 mark in this game was phenomenal, while he is as fit as anyone and still relishes playing.

“So it is hard for him to make a decision when he can contribute in all areas.”

Cork, who played with Chapple at Old Trafford between 2004 and 2008, added: “Glen is not a big stats man but he will want 1,000 wickets and Lancashire need somebody like him to mould their good, young bowlers.

“However, he is highly respected man who has done all his coaching badges so if he takes that job he will be hugely successful, too.”