CHRIS SIMPSON’S former coach believes the Guernsey player has got what it takes to make it to the top of world squash. Mike Harris has been in the island for the last two days coaching the local juniors in his new role as England Squash Academy director.
Harris used to coach Simpson at Brighton College and has worked from when the Guernsey star was 13 years old.
After turning professional in the last couple of years, the 20-year-old Sarnian has been hampered by injuries of late as he looks to break into the world top 50.
But Harris believes that this is only temporary and that Simpson has what it takes to go all the way.
‘He started his PSA career pretty well, but I think he’s stagnated a little bit,’ said Harris.
‘His injuries are just holding him back. The main thing is that he needs to get through the 50s and into the top 30 in the next two years.
‘If he doesn’t, it will be very difficult for him to do it. It will be hard for him and he’s got a lot of work to do.
‘But I believe he’s got the potential to be in the top 10 in the world. He understands the game and he knows what he wants to do.’
Based in Brighton and as academy director, Harris is responsible for the south-east, south-west, East Anglia and the East Midlands.
He started in the position in July.
Yesterday he spent the morning coaching one of the island’s most promising young players, Issey Norman-Ross.
In October, the 14-year-old Ladies’ College student won the under-15 south-east area title.
‘Issey is ranked 19 in the country at her age, but potentially she’s a top-five player,’ said Harris.
‘I’ve always been impressed with her. I’ve known her for years from seeing her on the junior circuit.
‘But I know there are some other players I don’t know about and that’s why I’m here.’
The trip is Harris’ first to Guernsey, although he knows Peter Bridgeman, the director of island squash, and Bridgeman’s predecessors Gareth Webber and Mark Allen.
He is also very familiar with Guernsey’s rich heritage in the sport having produced the likes of Martine Le Moignan, Lisa Opie and Jason Nicolle.
‘For such a small place it’s fantastic that the island keeps producing these players and Chris is the latest,’ he said.
‘It’s important for me to be here because I know that so many good players come from here. England Squash doesn’t support Guernsey enough and one of my first jobs was to come over.’
Bridgeman was delighted to welcome Harris.
‘It’s important to work as a team and I’m not afraid of any coach coming over and coaching our kids,’ he said. ‘I’ve learnt from him and I think it works very well with England Squash.’
Loading ...
Share this article:
What are these?