Aitken steps down as Ferns coach

Ruth Aitken has coached the Silver Ferns for almost 10 years. Photo / Getty Images

After almost 10 years at the helm of the Silver Ferns, national netball coach Ruth Aitken will move into a new role as coaching director for Netball New Zealand (NNZ).

Aitken will surrender her position as head coach after the conclusion of October's three-test series against Australia, NNZ said in a statement today.

"I am looking forward to leading the team for the final five tests of the year, the timing of this feels right,'' Aitken said.

"My entire career has been an unbelievable blessing.

"I am fiercely proud of the programme we have built.

"I couldn't have asked any more from the players, assistant coaches, the great New Zealand fans, Netball New Zealand and of course, my family.''

Aitken's departure comes just after Australian coaching arch-rival Norma Plummer also relinquished the reins from the Australian Diamonds early this month.

NNZ chief executive Raelene Castle said Aitken's record as Silver Ferns coach has been outstanding.

"She has the led the most successful decade in the history of the sport, her contribution to netball in New Zealand and the Silver Ferns will leave a lasting legacy.

"It is important to that Netball New Zealand now works through a very thorough appointment process for the Silver Ferns head coach role,'' Castle added.

NNZ will advertise the Silver Ferns coaching position and begin the recruitment process within the next few weeks.

Castle said they hoped to announce the appointment of the new Silver Ferns coach by mid-November.

In the almost 10 years as the Silver Ferns mentor, Aitken has achieved a 77 percent winning record (110 games, 85 won, 25 lost), including a world championship title in 2003 and back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010.

Aitken who played in the 1979 world championships in Trinidad and Tobago began her coaching career with North Harbour in 1991.

From 1998 to 2000, she coached the Counties-Manukau Cometz in the national league, followed by three years with the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic franchise.

She also took Waikato to three consecutive national provincial finals, winning back-to back titles in 1999 and 2000.

She progressed to coaching the NZ A team before taking charge of the Silver Ferns coach in late 2001.

Respected former Silver Ferns skipper Waimarama Taumaunu who has been Aitken's assistant for the past four seasons will be the hot tip to get the top job if she throws her hat into the ring.

- NZPA