Netball: Willering dumped, Aitken new Silver Ferns coach

11.00 am

Yvonne Willering has been dumped as the Silver Ferns netball coach.

Waikato's Ruth Aitken was appointed to the position today in a surprising change of direction by the sport leading into next year's Commonwealth games in Manchester.

Aitken's appointment is for two years.

She coached Waikato in the NPC, Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic in the Coca-Cola Cup, as well as New Zealand A and Academy teams this year. She was also a member of the selection panel.

Now a teacher, Aitken was a member of the Silvers Ferns side at the 1978 world championships in Trinidad and Tobago.

Willering had been the Silvers Ferns coach since 1997. Though there was some support from players publicly for her after the 2-1 series loss to Australia in October, it is understood her downfall was influenced by players. There was allegedly a player revolt against Willering about a year ago.

"The decision to change coaches is always a difficult time for sports codes in New Zealand," Netball New Zealand (NNZ) chief executive officer Shelley McMeeken said today.

"But with the Vodafone Silver Ferns facing the Commonwealth Games next year, and more importantly the world champs in Jamaica in 2003, it is time to take a strong focus on the future.

"Ruth has demonstrated a commitment to netball as well as a strong analytical and strategic approach to the game at an elite level.

"She has the skills to take our programme forward and create the winning team dynamics."

A naturally delighted Aitken said:

"I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to step up to New Zealand coach and believe I am more than ready to take up the challenge of developing the team to win the world champs.

"My focus now will be on preparing the squad for our tour to Jamaica next year and gearing ourselves up for the tough competition at the Commonwealth Games."

Netball New Zealand confirmed today a tour to Jamaica from February 24 to March 7.

Barbados will play the Silver Ferns in June's three-test Fisher and Paykel series in New Zealand

Aitken was coach of the New Zealand A team who beat England in the Fisher & Paykel series in June. They were also unbeaten in an international tournament in Singapore recently.

Her most notable success in her more than 10 years coaching experience came in the last three seasons when Waikato emerged as finalists in the inter-provincial tournament.

Under her, Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic finished third in this year's Coca-Cola Cup.

Earlier, Aitken coached the Counties-Manukau-Thames Valley team in the cup for three years. She also coached the Thames Valley regional team for three years, North Harbour for two years and Shore Rovers for one year.

A North Harbour player for 11 years, Aitken captained the side for seven years.

Now living in Paeroa, Aitken was the assistant head of English at Paeroa College before taking leave for a term this year to coach the NZA team.

McMeeken said NNZ acknowledged Willering's national and international experience.

"As a former Silver Fern and national coach, the contribution Yvonne has made has been significant and we believe there is a still role for her to play in netball in New Zealand."

Further management positions for the Silver Ferns will be announced before the New Zealand squad training camp and trials in Auckland from February 1-3.

- NZPA