With the Jamaica Scorpions struggling for consistent success over the years, new Head Coach Robert Haynes says a massive culture change will be necessary to improve the country’s fortunes in the sport.

Haynes, who was unveiled on Wednesday, replaces Andrew Richardson whose contract came to an end last month. Terrence Corke will serve as his assistant, replacing Nikita Miller who will move into the new pathway programme.

Former West Indies and Jamaica legspinner Haynes took charge of the team in 2018 on an interim basis but then joined Cricket West Indies as a selector for the men’s team in 2019. However, Haynes says returning home was an easy decision.

“My passion has always been here, although I’ve been involved in cricket over the years at the West Indies board level but to be back in Jamaica coaching cricket is really a tremendous feelings. It’s one of those feelings that you get when you win the lotto,” said Haynes.

Despite winning the Super50 Cup in 2022, the Scorpions have struggled in regional competitions since. They were winless in the tournament in 2023 and finished in the bottom two of the regional first-class ompetition for the last two seasons.

Haynes says greater effort will be needed by all the stakeholders involved.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work but we need to change the culture. We need to bring back that sort of unity where the players understand that it’s not just about playing the game. We have to look at the game on the field and their lifestyle off the field. We have to bring back a level of trust and the trust is not just with the players but with the JCA and the JCA realised that for us to be a winning unit, things have to be different,” he said.

He also believes the players need to invest more in their craft if they are to make a breakthrough into the West Indies set-up.

“You want them to understand the importance of their performance because it’s now a job. It’s not like we used to play because we loved cricket, it’s a job. You’re getting paid to play cricket and if you want to enhance your ability, you have to work very hard,” said Haynes.

“Within the next 12-16 months, [hopefully] we can see a change in terms of where we want to go and the players will buy into the programme we have because if they don’t, it’s going to take longer. But it’s our job as coaches to let them realise that if you want to go to the international level, these are things you need to do.”

Other changes announced on Wednesday included Milton Thomas being appointed as the coach of the new pathway programme, Junior Bennett named new talent and coaching manager and Delroy Morgan now acting as both chairman of selectors as well as advisor to the West Indies’ new selection process.