indiana wrote:

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Out of interest, in what ways is Greg reputed to be a good coach ?

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 Harsh. Thank God I didn't say that!!! 

Hey, genuine question, korriban.

I know nothing about his coaching abilities. I've not been that impressed when I have heard him occasionally talk about tennis, but he may well be a good, indeed very good coach. I don't know.

I am reading that he is a good coach, though also that he has had limited experience.

So I just wondered what aspects folk were aware of that made them feel he is a decent / good coach, and in particular what elements of his coaching, experience, availability or whatever make him potentially a good fit with Kyle.

All of the younger players have been glowing with praise when they have spent time with Greg ( Bambo, Liam and obviously Kyle has now chosen him ahead of Beechy ).
As a player he wasn't the most talented but maxed out all of his ability through sheer hard work. I think that sets a good example for young players to follow. He certainly knows the mens game inside out ( unlike the women's ). Being courtside at Newcastle when Kyle was playing, he was constantly offering positive words from the sidelines, so I believe he is good, how good thats difficult to tell. The only issue I have is that he isn't committed full time to coaching Kyle, working for Sky this fortnight and also for Eurosport during the FO.

I can imagine that he would be a good motivator, but his non-stop gabble would drive me up the wall. He did have good results with the junior Davis Cup team, didn't he?

Depends what you like, doesn't it? I generally get the sense that Rafael Nadal would be happy going back home to Mallorca and spending his time with friends and family upon retirement. Roger Federer, one senses, would want to still be a public figure in some way. Horses for courses. Mr Henman - unlike Mr Rusedski - has returned to the area in which he grew up, where I would guess that he has friends and family around in abundance and is able to lead a very pleasant life in a familiar context, with occasional tennis-related things interjected. Sounds quite pleasant to me. As for the question of an obligation to "give back": my guess is that if he does things, he'd do them quietly, so he may be doing quite a bit for all we know. But I really don't see why he would have a particular obligation to keep working at tennis. It was a career. He gave a great deal to British tennis. He retired. It's his choice what he does next and how he contributes to society.

I have nothing but respect for Greg and my impression is that the junior Davis cup success was a real highlight for at least one of the senior coaching staff within the LTA and that Greg had played a significant part in that performance. Our top tennis players have not historically committed to coaching the next generation generally preferring the TV sofa where arguably they have been more successful. Barker and Castle carving truly outstanding careers that have superseded their tennis achievements.

There is an element of bravery in trying to inspire others to perform, particularly where their failure will be seen as yours , an outcome of which you have much less control than as a player. I completely understand Tim henmans desire to become a tennis blazer and elite amateur golfer. He will be remembered as a fine player and is obviously happy with that. To coach does take an element of altruism, fewer headlines, no fans just critics.

Greg is obviously totally committed to tennis and fortunately for us British tennis. Even while delivering his commitment to sky he will be totally emersed analysing and debating tennis but probably mindful of how one might apply this to an emerging player. We will not know wether or not he is an elite coach for a decade or so but thus far British tennis doesn't appear to have suffered because of his involvement, kyle has progressed and indeed he seems to have the confidence of his contemporaries who remain a promising cohort.

Perhaps we should sit back and allow him to build on his promising beginning as a coach for which he has had only a real life as opposed to classical didactic coaching education, unless anyone is aware of any other elite British coaches who could step in and run the show.

Kyle's match should be up very soon (the other one's just finished).

And, agree Jeff - as long as he's paid his taxes, that's all Tim's go to do by my reckoning - as you say, he did most of it on his own and I don't see everyone automatically expecting all our top footballers to go back and coach kids.

NB Oakland - why would it have to be 'any other elite BRITISH coach' ? Given our new Canadian and Australian, I'm hoping there will be some changes in the coaching from outside the UK (although I know we've had a few before so it's hardly novel).