Ford is the man of the moment for India : Mickey Arthur

Bangalore, June 5 (UNI) Former South African coach Graham Ford, already the frontrunner to take over the reigns of Team India, has further enhanced his chances of bagging the high profile job, with his successor Mickey Arthur, tipping him as the 'ideal backroom man' India need at the moment.

Backing the credentials of Ford, Arthur said, ''Graham (Ford) is the man India would need at this moment. He is very hard working and gets the best out of the players. He will do a very good job if given the chance.'' Ford, currently Director of Coaching at the English county team Kent, was the South Africa coach after the late Bob Woolmer stepped down in 1999.

''He's a fantastic man. If he does get selected he would do a fantastic job. India need a guy who can lead them and Graham will be there as the ideal backroom man,'' the South African coach added.

The 46-year-old Ford was named as one of two candidates to replace Greg Chappell by a seven-man panel which met in Bangalore last night.

The panel has invited Ford and a second person, whose identity has now become a matter of 'barbeque stoppers', for another parley in Chennai on June 9 before making a final decision.

Kent County Cricket Club, meanwhile has given permission to Ford to travel to India. Paul Millman, the county's chief executive, said, ''He has been approached by the BCCI about the job with the Indian national team and we have allowed him the opportunity to travel to India to find out more about the role.'' Appreciating his Club Kent, Ford was quoted as saying by Cricinfo ''The Indian Board has approached me in regard to their vacancy and I am grateful to the club for allowing me the chance to talk to them.'' UNI