BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

A NUMBER of well-qualified candidates, including former Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore, have shown an interest in the West Indies coaching job.

Media reports have suggested that the 53-year-old Whatmore is the front-runner for the post which had been vacant since fellow Australian Bennett King resigned in April.

Whatmore has been credited with transforming Bangladesh into serious challengers on the international circuit and brings strong credentials to the Windies post.

Whatmore, who played seven Tests for Australia in 1979, is joined in the race for the position by fellow Australian John Dyson, a former Test opener who has coached Sri Lanka.

Current Ireland head coach Phil Simmons has reportedly applied for the job along with current West Indies assistant coach, Trinidadian David Williams.