Lloyd given three more years as Davis Cup captain
Wednesday, 16 Apr 2008 17:07
David Lloyd to continue as Davis Cup coach until at least 2011
Great British Davis Cup captain John Lloyd will continue in his role until at least 2011, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has announced.
Lloyd, who was appointed to the role in August 2006 to succeed Jeremy Bates, was rumoured to be considering his position with the team.
However, the LTA has confirmed a new agreement with the 53-year-old which will see him working alongside new coach Paul Annacone, who joined the Davis Cup team last month.
The first task facing the two men will be Great Britain's World Group playoff against Austria in September, which was made necessary by defeat to Argentina in their first-round tie in Buenos Aires in February.
"I'm delighted to be continuing my role as GB Davis Cup captain until 2011 and am looking forward to building on the progress we have made over the last four ties," Lloyd said.
"The hard work for both Paul and myself starts here as we start to prepare for September's tie against Austria."
LTA chief executive Roger Draper said: "John has been a tremendous captain over the last two years and has transformed the team so it is great news that he will continue for another three years.
"While we have had some success recently it is vital that we start to identify younger players who are capable of thriving in a Davis Cup environment and I am confident that John and Paul can make some real progress in this area."
Under Lloyd, the British team has won three ties against Ukraine, Netherlands and Croatia - with the latter tie in 2007 securing the team's place in the World Group this year.