Netball: Pulse chief poised to resign

Chris McNay. Photo / Supplied

Central Pulse chief executive Chris McNay is poised to quit the franchise after just five months in the role amid rumours of tensions with Netball New Zealand.

Several sources, including new Pulse coach Robyn Broughton, confirmed to the Herald that McNay tendered his resignation last week, leaving the Wellington-based franchise searching for their fifth boss in four years.

But McNay, who holds the dual title of Netball Wellington Region/Pulse CEO, denied it was a done deal, but did admit he was reconsidering his future.

"I am re-looking at my options," he said. "There are some governance issues in terms of what I was hired to take on and Netball New Zealand, the Pulse board and the regional board are looking at all that. I've made no secret that I was brought in to do a certain role and if I can't do that role then I won't be sticking around."

It is believed McNay became frustrated with the influence Netball New Zealand (NNZ) exerts on the region.

Part of his brief was to implement a new strategic plan, restructuring the management of netball in the Wellington region. NNZ is also reviewing structures across the country and McNay has hinted its vision for the region may differ from his own.

"I think there are always tensions with your governing body," he said. "Don't get me wrong here, Netball New Zealand have done a lot of really good things and helped us enormously.

"But they are also looking at restructuring and making some changes within netball in New Zealand and we have to make sure they're not at odds with one another."

NNZ chief executive Raelene Castle declined to comment on the issue.

Although McNay said he had not officially resigned, Pulse insiders believe he has. It is believed he has not set an end date to his tenure, agreeing to work through the transition.

His denial may have a lot to do with timing - the franchise is in the middle of contracting the Pulse team for next season and will want to present a stable image to potential new players.

The fortunes of the Pulse appeared to be rising after recruiting veteran coach Robyn Broughton to take over in 2012 and build on the eighth-place finish this season - their best result in four seasons of the league.

But these revelations suggest its back office is still in disarray.

McNay confirmed the Pulse would post another sizeable loss this year.

The team were bailed out by NNZ to the tune of $400,000 in 2008, and $300,000 in 2009. Last year a levy was charged to young netballers in the team's region to repay these debts, but it is believed NNZ is still owed more than half a million dollars. The national body has also helped out with staffing the region.

NNZ is a significant investor at both franchise and regional level and will feel justified in wanting a say.