Lloyd pays price for run of Davis Cup capitulations
Henman to be targeted as new captain together with restructuring of the LTA
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Your support makes all the difference.John Lloyd's resignation last night as Davis Cup captain is set to be followed by a major overhaul of the men's game in Britain. While Lloyd carried the can for five successive defeats that have left the national team in danger of relegation to the Davis Cup's lowest tier, Steve Martens, the Lawn Tennis Association's Player Director, is contemplating more wide-reaching changes when he reports to the governing body's main board this month.
Although Lloyd decided it was time to leave in the wake of his team's embarrassing defeat to Lithuania, there has been widespread recognition that the captain can only work with the talent available. In the absence of Andy Murray, that has not amounted to much.
Martens, who has been conducting a review of the men's game following the defeat in Vilnius, said last night: "John is not to blame for our current lack of depth in the men's game and so I am widening my review to look across men's tennis."
Paul Annacone, the head coach of men's tennis, will no longer coach the Davis Cup squad, but that is because the LTA would like to give Lloyd's successor a free rein to build his own team.
There is no doubt that Tim Henman would top any wish list as the LTA begins its search for a new captain, but the former world No 4 is currently happy playing golf and working on the All England Club's management committee at Wimbledon. Nevertheless, the LTA can be expected to mount a major charm offensive in an attempt to woo the man for whom Murray, in particular, would have the greatest respect.
Greg Rusedski already has an ambassadorial role with the LTA and has worked with both James Ward, who made his national debut in Vilnius, and the country's junior Davis Cup squad. However, he does not have the same rapport with Murray. Given that Britain do not play again until the match against Turkey at Eastbourne from 9-11 July, the appointment may not be made for a while.
Roger Draper, the LTA's chief executive, last night praised Lloyd's "great passion and enthusiasm". Lloyd, who acknowledged that captaincy was "a tough job", said he was proud of his time in charge and thanked the players for their support. "I've been a Davis Cup player and captain and now it's time for me to become a fan," he added.
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