SALTIRES chiefs are poised to hand former supremo Tony Judd a key coaching role.
Judd, who guided Scottish cricket through one of its most successful periods, quit Scotland last September to take up a position with the Victoria Cricket Association in his native Australia. However, he returned to Greenock for family reasons ten days ago and has already been approached by national coach Pete Steindl.

It's understood Judd will join the Saltires staff as assistant coach for the European Championships in July as well the crucial Twenty20 World Cup qualifiers and the historic ODI against England the following month.

Steindl revealed: "I've made contact with Tony and have discussed his plans and ours. It has always been my intention to get an assistant on board and I've been waiting for the right guy. In my opinion Tony would be a fantastic addition to the staff. Nothing is finalised yet but hopefully we'll be able to get him on board."

Judd, 44, was part-time Saltires coach in 2003 when they entered the English one-day league for the first time and sensationally beat three counties in 20 days – more victories against county opposition than they had managed in the previous 20 years. He was also in charge when Scotland won the inaugural Intercontinental Cup in Sharjah the following year, but commitments to Greenock Cricket Club meant he was unable to apply when the national post was made full-time in 2005. Judd's return is likely to be welcomed by the players who responded to his motivational skills.