Petchey expected Murray split
Andy Murray will be hoping to find a coach before the Australian Open in January
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Thursday, 15, Nov 2007 09:30
A former coach of Andy Murray today said that the British number one might find it difficult to find a long-term coach.
Murray split with American Brad Gilbert yesterday after only 16 months together, and Mark Petchey, who coached Murray in 2005, said the Scot's intense demeanour may stop coaches from teaming up with him.
"The fire that burns inside him (Murray) is big but I think there will be a few coaches out there that would probably think twice about taking that job," said Petchey.
"I think you have to be a very strong character to be willing to put up with that. People who don't need the money and the job would obviously think 'do I need it that bad?'
"But I don't think he will struggle to find a new coach because he's such a great talent and he is going to be such a great champion, he'll find somebody that will fit in."
Petchey also said he always thought the Murray/Gilbert relationship would come to an abrupt end due to the pair's different personalities.
"Andy is strong-willed and ambitious," Petchey said. "Brad is very talkative and passionate. When you have those sorts of characters the relationship is never going to have longevity because it is so intense."
Murray reached a career high world number eight under the guidance of Gilbert, but he has now said he will appoint a "group of experts" to lead him to the top of the game.