BRIDGETOWN, Aug 13: More than three months after Bennett King stepped down as West Indies coach, the board has finally advertised for applications to fill the vacancy. David Moore, King's deputy, took charge on the recent tour of England but on the field the team struggled and there were reports of disharmony off the field and of friction between the management and some players.

The big question seems to be whether the WICB will risk appointing an overseas coach again after King, whose time was not helped by criticism in some quarters which appeared to be based on the fact he was hired from outside the region. His tenure was generally considered not to have been a success.

The closing date for applications is Aug 31.

Moore will remain in charge for the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa next month.—Agencies