Netball: Steel appointment hoped for by end of month

Lana Winders
Lana Winders
Netball South chief executive Lana Winders hopes the Southern Steel's new head coach will be appointed by the end of the month.

Applications for the job closed on Monday, less than two weeks after Janine Southby vacated the job after being appointed in charge of the Silver Ferns.

Winders said she was pleased with the number of applications received and hoped to have a preferred candidate lined up by December.

However, even if Southby's replacement was named then, it was not yet known when he or she would start.

''Just as soon as possible,'' Winders said.

''A lot is going to depend on the availability of that preferred candidate. Whoever it is we appoint, it depends how quickly they will be able to start in the role.

''It is quite possible we won't have anyone in place this side of Christmas. But if we at least know who we are going to be appointing by the end of the month, that will maybe put us on the front foot to get some planning going.''

Some names linked to the role are current assistant coach Reinga Te Huia, former co-coach Natalie Avellino and former Canterbury Flames coach Margaret Foster.

Netball South is still taking applications for head coach of its team in the national league, which will run in conjunction with the ANZ Championships.

Winders said applications had so far been ''trickling in'', but she expected a late flurry until Friday, the cut-off date. She hopes to have the position filled shortly so a trial can be held and a squad assembled before Christmas.

Netball South is also looking for a performance manager to replace Jo Morrison, who resigned a few months ago, and a coach development officer.

The performance manager role has been increased from part-time to full-time, as Winders sees it as a ''critical'' role in getting the national league team on its feet and operating.

 

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