WENDELL COPPIN is standing firm in the face of concerns over his dual role as coach of the University of the West Indies (UWI) and president of the YMPC club.

Coppin has been head of YMPC since 1998 and took over as coach of UWI this season. His double function has raised attention of late, causing more debate when the two teams met in the semi-finals of the Sagicor General Super Cup at Beckles Road on Saturday.

Worthwhile decisions

"I'm at work. I try my hardest to make decisions that are worthwhile and will push this club forward. I believe I've done so over the last seven years," he said during the evening session.

"I have not always been right and I will accept when I'm wrong. However, I firmly believe that the decisions I make are for the benefit of cricket on the whole.

"I will continue to make those decisions until there is a time when I am no longer president of this club."

Under pressure

With increased duties for UWI in recent weeks, following his appointment as coach of the Combined Campuses and Colleges for the upcoming KFC Cup, some observers believe that Coppin is under pressure to perform his duties adequately as YMPC president.

The man himself thinks otherwise.

"I can understand their concerns. I respect their concerns. However, the decisions that I make . . . and I don't think I will make a decision today [Saturday] that will adversely affect YMPC," Coppin said.

"I've come here in a professional capacity as cricket coach of the UWI. I don't think there is a decision that I will take as coach of the team today that will affect anything with regards to the club or the position of the club."

Apart from serving as YMPC president and UWI coach, Coppin is also the West Indies Cricket Board's development officer for Barbados.

Up until last season, he appeared for the YMPC in their champion Division 1 team as player/coach.

With the switch to UWI this year, he also represented it in the Barbados Cricket League competition.

"Not many coaches have been presidents of cricket clubs in Barbados. I suppose I'm in a position where history doesn't normally back me," Coppin said.

In Saturday's semi-final, UWI easily defeated YMPC by six wickets to book a place in the final against Carib Carlton on November 3 at the 3Ws Oval.