The now former Davis Cup captain perhaps should not take the brunt of the blame for the humiliating defeat to Lithuania but having become the first GB captain to suffer five consecutive losses, his chance of survival looked very slim.
Paul Annacone will also make way as the Davis Cup coach, although he will not be completely removed, as he still holds the position as head of men’s tennis.
With Lloyd leaving the side in the precarious position, of needing a win against Turkey to survive being relegated to lowest tier of the competition, it has left someone with a mammoth job on their hands, but who?
These are Net Cord’s five contenders:
Leading the race
1. Greg Rusedski
A phenomenal record on the court in the Davis Cup but has also the captaincy experience of leading a successful junior Davis Cup side. His relationship with the junior players, i.e. working with James Ward, and with the LTA makes him the outright leader. The only thing that could count against the former British number one is his so called ‘celebrity status’, which may draw unwanted attention to what is an already disgraced team.2. Leon Smith
Maybe a surprise contender for most, considering his lack experience at this level, but the LTA has undoubtedly taken a shine to the young Scot. Although just 34 years of age and never reached the heights as a player, he has played a key role in the development of Murray meaning he, more than most could pursued the world number four to come back. Despite his position as head of the under-16s this could be a step too early for Smith.
The others
3. Colin Beecher
Current head of the under-18s has also taken the junior Davis Cup team to a surprise final last year. This type of understanding of young talent and cup know-how makes him a strong outsider. If Beecher is not selected for the captaincy the LTA might be tempted into handing him the role as Davis Cup coach.
4. Miles Maclagan
Has some experience at Davis Cup level in the early-00’s, but it is his great coaching abilities that put him in the frame, spearheading Murray to two Grand Slam finals. The problem though for the LTA will be prising him away from ‘Team Murray’, as the captaincy is a full time vacancy.
5. Tim Henman
A real fans favourite but unfortunately a long shot for the job. With an impressive Davis Cup record, the former British number one has huge amounts of experience at winning and digging deep when it matters, but apart from his media work during Wimbledon he has yet to come out of semi-retirement.
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