Netball: Aitken set to extend tenure

Ruth Aitken. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken has signalled that she plans to continue in her role beyond the world championships in July this year.

Many in netball circles assumed she would step down when her contract expires in September but Aitken gave the strongest possible hint this week that retirement is not on the agenda.

"This is a job I love," she told the Herald on Sunday. "I am very lucky to be doing it - so I want to be doing it for ever and ever. We will have to see."

Aitken has had the top job in New Zealand netball since late 2001, winning 79 of 102 games (77.5 per cent), including the 2003 world championships and the last two Commonwealth Games. Change does not come easy in netball - since 1974 the Ferns have been somewhat akin to the German football team with only four coaches (Lois Muir, 1974-88; Lyn Parker, 1989-93; Leigh Gibbs, 1994-97; and Yvonne Willering, 1997- 2001) before Aitken.

The loss at home in the 2007 world championships was a setback and the pressure intensified in 2009 when the Ferns convincingly lost consecutive series to the World Seven and then Australia. But Aitken's collateral increased with the hard-won Delhi gold medal and, even if the Ferns fail to take the ultimate prize in Singapore, Netball New Zealand would probably favour re-appointment - if Aitken wants the job.

Such is the close rivalry between the Ferns and the Diamonds that a loss in the final would be tolerated easier than its rugby equivalent. There is also a paucity of people ready to fill Aitken's shoes.

Wai Taumanu is the obvious contender but the step from assistant is always a big one and her bad cop, no-nonsense, direct approach may not make her completely suitable for the head coaching role in the eyes of some. Noeline Taurua has had success with the Magic and commands great respect from her players, but would need to refine her maverick approach.

Robyn Broughton's chance has probably passed, while Debbie Fuller and Janine Southby are names for the future.

Netball New Zealand deliberately set the term of the contract until September, so that neither party would be forced to make a decision while the emotion of whatever unfolded in Singapore was still heavy in the air.

"We will just have to wait and see," says Aitken. "[After the world championships] I think things will be obvious about what is the right decision - both for me and Netball New Zealand."

She will be encouraged by the youthful potential of the squad - with players like Casey Williams (25), Katrina Grant (24), Laura Langman (25), Liana Leota (26), Maria Tutaia (24), Paula Griffin (22), Anna Scarlett (28) and Anna Thompson (24) still having years ahead of them - and also by a relatively light international schedule over the next two years.