Steady, as in Gary Stead.
The recent Black Caps coach has been enlisted by Otago to provide ‘‘interim coaching support’’ to the association as it continues its search for a new Volts head coach.
Ashley Noffke should have been embarking on his second year with the Volts but he has quit to pursue an assistant role with the Pakistan national side.
With assistant coach Ben McCord also leaving the province, it has left the Otago men — the Sparks have already announced their new head coach — temporarily without a boss.
Securing someone with Stead’s experience and track record is a decent effort.
The Cantabrian stood down earlier this month after a tremendously successful seven-year stint with the Black Caps.
Under his guidance, New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship final, pulled off the heist of the century with a 3-0 test series win in India, and made finals of limited-overs tournaments for fun.
Stead would work with Volts players over the winter months to help them with individual development, Otago Cricket said on social media last night.
He would also maintain contact with Otago players who were in action for various teams in the United Kingdom.
Otago Cricket performance general manager Steve Martin was delighted to have Stead involved.
‘‘Gary is a world-class coach who will add immeasurable value not only to our playing group but also to our high-performance programme,’’ Martin said.
‘‘His input on so many fronts will be well received.’’
Stead said he was looking forward to being able to bring his wealth of experience to a major association’s development programme.
‘‘Otago have a strong playing roster and some exciting young players who have had a very good season,’’ Stead said.
‘‘It excites me to have the chance to help these young players and the more experienced players continue to grow, and to be in a position to give back to the domestic game.’’
Stead will start his role on June 30 when he travels to Dunedin to meet players and Otago staff.
