Netball: Willering likely shoo-in for job

By JULIE ASH

Yvonne Willering may be unchallenged for the Silver Ferns coaching job.

Netball New Zealand has advertised the position in New Zealand and Australia, but there seems to be little interest from within New Zealand.

Otago's Georgina Salter, who has twice applied for the job, is undecided whether she will apply this time.

"I have been really busy and haven't had a chance to look at the information yet," she said.

"I have applied twice before and the idea to coach the Silver Ferns is still there, and I am certain that it is a position which I can accommodate."

Salter coached the Otago Rebels to success in the 1998 Coca Cola Cup and then led the province to success in the national provincial championships the same year.

She guided the New Zealand under-21 team to third at the World Youth Cup last year.

Southland's Robyn Broughton, who has been the Silver Ferns assistant coach for the past two years, said she would not apply for the top job.

The Verdon College physical education teacher said she had enough on her plate already, with her job and coaching the Sting.

However, she said she would be interested in reapplying for the Silver Ferns assistant coach job - which is also up for grabs - especially if Willering is reappointed.

"I would be interested in doing so," she said. "Our combination progressed well.

"It was a big disappointment to lose that last test [against Australia], but I think Yvonne is doing a great job and that was just one little glitch."

Canterbury's Leigh Gibbs, who coached the Silver Ferns from 1994 to 1997, said she did not intend to apply, but had not ruled out a bid in the future.

"I haven't shut the door completely. I don't feel the time is right now, but I haven't discarded it," she said.

Auckland's Marlene Flavell applied for the job in 1997, but said she would not seek it again.

"Not this time around. I am nearly 60 and I think Yvonne has done all right. I believe the players just need to perform a bit more consistently."

Flavell resigned as a Silver Fern selector this year, a position she held for 10 years.

New Zealand A and Waikato coach Ruth Aitken said she was undecided on whether she would apply.

"I have been flat out, I haven't even thought about it."

Waimarama Taumaunu's involvement with England and Raewyn Henry's job as Wales' coach means they are unlikely to apply.

In the past five years the job has not attracted a huge number of applicants. In 1997, there were three, and in 1999 just two.

With the Commonwealth Games next year and the world championships in 2003, it is hard to look past Willering. The national coach since 1997, Willering has a record of 39 wins, one draw and 11 losses.

After a long New Zealand drought through the 1990s, she has chalked up four wins against the Australians, with one each in 1999 and last year, and two this year.

Applications close on November 23 and the appointment will be announced on December 20.