LANCASHIRE's power-brokers were meeting at Old Trafford today to thrash out a new short list for the coach's job.

The club have mounted a world-wide search for a replacement for Dav Whatmore, and originally had Neil Fairbrother, Bobby Simpson and John Emburey as their leading candidates.

John Buchanan was also a target, but he went out of the running when he took over Australia from Geoff Marsh. Steve Rixon, who impressed in leading New Zealand to a series victory over England last summer, is likely to be mentioned when Lancashire's cricket committee get together today.

Lancashire would like to get their man before the end of January, giving him plenty of time to bed in before the new season - but they refused to be rushed into a decision.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.