Hamilton, NZ July 27th 2001 ­ Bruce Blair has been appointed in a full time role as the coach of the State Northern Knights on a three year contract commencing September 1st 2001.

In a lengthy playing career, Blair represented Northern Districts, Otago and New Zealand, for whom he played 14 One Day Internationals between 1981 and 1986. In domestic cricket he played 110 matches averaging 33 runs with the bat and securing 55 wickets.

Blair is currently employed by Manawatu Cricket at an elite level and is a New Zealand Cricket Level 3 Coach. He is also contracted by New Zealand Cricket to deliver lectures to national coaches on Mental Skills for Cricketers and producing Elite Players.

"We were thrilled with the calibre of the applicants and are sure we have made a positive appointment looking to the future" remarked Northern Districts Chief Executive John Turkington. "Brucešs professionalism and planning certainly came through coupled with his passion for the game and coaching skills."

© 2001 Northern Districts Cricket Association