ROBIN SMITH will demand a clear-the-air meeting with the Hampshire CCC hierarchy in the wake of Jimmy Cook's appointment as First XI coach.

Smith landed in the UK yesterday still seething at the mechanics of the decision to appoint the South African ahead of former Hampshire opener Paul Terry to succeed Malcolm Marshall, although his anger has abated from last week when it is believed Smith was considering his options after learning of the decision.

After returning from South Africa, where he met with Hampshire's new coach, Smith said: "This is nothing personal against Jimmy.

"But I'm very unhappy with the way the decision was made, and I feel undermined.

"I'm responsible for what happens on the field of play and I feel that decisions affecting the First XI should be left to those directly involved with it."

The Daily Echo understands that Smith - who has yet to sign a new contract with Hampshire - lobbied strongly for Terry's appointment, boosted by the backing of many of the senior players.

But the club's cricket committee were not keen on appointing the former opener, who left the club in controversial circumstances in 1996 when his contract was not renewed.

Despite receiving numerous applications from high quality candidates, Smith conceded he might be able to work with Cook and cricket director Tim Tremlett flew to South Africa to conduct negotiations and sign him up.

Hampshire then announced Cook's appointment a week before Smith was due to meet with the former run machine.

"I can't remember a vote being taken, but maybe I'm naieve and didn't really understand the strength of a captain's vote. "I'm responsible for what happens on the pitch and I'm a players' man and a players' captain. Perhaps I should should have shown more authority," said Smith.

"As First team captain I am answerable to the members, supporters and media for our performance on the field and if I have got to work with somebody day-in day-out for the next three years I should have had more input.

"I'm going to be honest and tell them my feelings. The next two years will be will be the most important since I have been involved with Hampshire and I want to make sure things are straight."

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