Coach Michael ‘Franco’ Hyles dies at 76

Aug 14, 2021 Sports

By Sean Devers

Former Berbice off-spinner and Coach Michael ‘Franco’ Hyles was 76, but his physical condition and astute brain belied his age. So it came as a shock when the news broke of his death on Thursday morning.

Manager/Assistant Coach Julian Moore (left) with skipper Leon Johnson and Head Coach Esuan Crandon at Providence.

Mr. Hyles loved to cook and would say it like it was and would sometimes use ‘colorful language’ to reinforce his views but was respected for his dedication to the development of cricket in Guyana.
Guyana Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson said he was saddened by Hyles’s passing. “He is someone I have known for 20 years… when I first played for Guyana U-15 in 2002, he was the Coach of the team.
It’s not only a great loss for the cricketing fraternity but for everyone who knew him…. he was not just a very good Coach but a good person. He was instrumental in the development of lots of cricketers and he will be missed” said Johnson.
Coach Julian Moore said Berbice and Guyana cricket has lost a stalwart. “His contribution towards the development of the game as a former player, administrator and coach was remarkable. He was always eager to pass on his vast knowledge about coaching and inspired a new generation of coaches within Berbice and Guyana. I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Hyles, first as a player then as a coach both of which would have been significantly impacted by him. My condolences go out to his family at this time. May his soul Rest in Peace” said Moore.
Essequibian Coach Ryan Hercules disclosed that Hyles was a role model to players and coaches.

Michael Hyles

“I was honored to be around him and learned a lot about coaching, he also coached me when I represented Guyana U-15 team. He was always someone who makes everyone laugh. My condolences to his family may his soul rest in peace” said Coach Hercules.
GCB’s TDO, Colin Stuart lamented that a great Coach is gone and will be dearly missed. “I first encountered Franco as a coach on an opposing team when I was a player. However, it was when I worked with him for the GCB that I realized his wealth of knowledge in the area of Coaching Education.
His strong intrinsic desire to develop players and coaches coupled with his tactical interpersonal skills made him a perfect facilitator for coaching education programmes. For me Franco was always an asset to have on programs. Someone from whom I and others can learn. He assessed the attention span of participants and where necessary modified activities to suit their needs that are aligned to program objectives. Franco was an extremely good coach and a people’s person. He will be sorely missed in the cricketing circle” Stuart informed.
National Coach Esuan Crandon was in total disbelief when he heard the news. “Mr. Hyles was always willing to share his knowledge and experience with his colleagues and cricketers. I learned so much from him as a coach and a mentor. His contribution to Guyana’s cricket was tremendous, he served with passion and care.
I was privileged to witnessed the difference he has made in the development of young Guyanese cricketers. Mr. Hyles and I shared a cordial working relationship when he coached and mentored the Guyana Jaguars franchise.
I admired him for his unique coaching style and philosophy. He was an intelligent coach with great technical and tactical knowledge. There was never a dull moment with him. Guyana will miss you, Mr. Hyles. RIP” My first conversation with Mr. Hyles was in 1997 at Albion.
Myself and Nagamootoo was bowling for Berbice and during the lunch break, Mr. Hyles said ‘on a flat track you should flight the ball more and spin it. In the next match I tried to spin the ball as big as I could and took 6-12 against Essequibo.
As a Journalist, he was not afraid to speak out and gave me interviews that were at times critical of the cricket board.

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