Change vital to stay relevant: Coggan

Former Otago coach Ash Noffke feels the cold shortly after arriving in Dunedin last year. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

These appear to be turbulent times at Otago Cricket as coaches, players and staff members choose to leave the province. Signs of a crisis? Or nothing to see here? Cricket writer Adrian Seconi reports.

Otago Cricket Association chief executive Mike Coggan has dismissed suggestions a raft of departures reflects poorly on the leadership at the organisation.

The association has been beset by a run of high-profile departures during the past 18 months.

They have backfilled some of those positions.

Former Black Caps coach Gary Stead was named interim coach of the Otago Volts recently.

He replaces Ashley Noffke, who confirmed his departure earlier this month. Noffke left with a year to run on his contract to pursue an unexpected international opportunity.

He had replaced Dion Ebrahim, who also left a year into his two-year extension, sparking rumours he had been pushed out of the role and collected a payout on the way out the door.

Volts assistant Ben McCord left quietly towards the end of last season and, like Ebrahim, has not spoken publicly about his departure.

Sparks coach Craig Cumming left during the season to take up an opportunity in the United Kingdom. He has been replaced by Welshman Gareth Davies.

Leading all-rounder and former Volts captain Dean Foxcroft has transferred to Central Districts, and star Otago batter Dale Phillips has returned to Auckland.

Middle-order batter Leo Carter was one and done and has rejoined Canterbury.

A steady stream of general staff have slipped out the door during the past 10 years as well. Perhaps as many as five a year, which is a lot for what is a relatively small operation.

It paints a picture of an association that is struggling to retain key talent and staff.

Mike Coggan. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

One seasoned observer noted perhaps as many as 40-plus general staff had come and gone during the past decade, while another felt that estimate was probably on the low side.

Coggan said, in an emailed response to questions, no-one had raised any concerns with him about the culture of the OCA.

"Staff turnover is reasonably expected in our industry," Coggan said.

"Our workforce includes several short to medium fixed-term contracts across community and performance cricket.

"That’s a conscious decision we make to give us the flexibility to respond to changing needs and priorities.

"Additionally, many of our team members are young and early in their careers, and it’s natural for young professionals to explore new opportunities and experiences.

"While we always aim to retain great people, we also take pride in helping develop the next generation of talent — many of whom have gone on to make a real impact elsewhere in the sector, including at New Zealand Cricket.

"We monitor turnover carefully and remain focused on maintaining a strong, supportive team culture that delivers consistent results."

Some people contacted by the Otago Daily Times for this story felt Coggan is more focused on the bottom line than the people involved, one source describing it as "a trail of destruction".

"He’s been there a long time and perhaps it’s time for a bit of a change there as well."

Another source felt you only needed to "look at the amount of people that have left and the good people that are no longer there" to get a sense of the environment.

Eighteen months ago, Otago great Ken Rutherford launched a broadside at the organisation in a passionate email to the Otago Daily Times.

"You just have to look at the player turnover in the past five years. [That is] enough to sound alarm bells," he wrote.

"Why are players leaving? Has anyone ever asked?

Otago's Dean Foxcroft celebrates after notching a first-class century against Auckland at the University Oval in March last year. PHOTO: LINDA ROBERTSON

"Clearly, certain players see a better pathway for their individual development away from Otago.

"Their own personal ambition is not being satisfied by remaining in Otago."

Foxcroft felt his career was better served at Central Districts because he would be surrounded by more experienced players who would help lift his game.

But he was very careful not to fire any departing shots.

Coggan, however, seemed to suggest Foxcroft was pushed.

"In professional sport, players will always explore opportunities that they feel are best for their careers, and that’s part of the landscape we operate in," he said.

"While Foxcroft had expressed a commitment to staying in Otago, it became clear that our team values and direction weren’t fully aligned, and that’s OK.

"We’re building a culture based on honesty, accountability, and shared purpose, and we’re very confident and excited in the new players that will come into our group.

"When someone chooses a different path, we respect that. But we also back the environment we’re creating here and the people who want to be part of it."

Central Districts opener Jack Boyle, Wellington batter Troy Johnson and Auckland seamer Danru Ferns have signed with Otago this season, so the traffic has not been all one-way.

And there is always tension within a team. Newly minted Black Caps coach Rob Walter rubbed up against some of the senior Otago players early during his five-year stint in the province.

Jimmy Neesham and Neil Wagner moved on at the end of the 2017-18 season.

Players can and do leave in bunches, and they leave for a variety of reasons.

Coaches come and go as well.

Former Otago coach Dion Ebrahim gives his side a pep talk in 2023-24. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

"We understand, that from the outside, change can sometimes raise questions," Coggan said.

"But from our perspective ... we’re making deliberate shifts to position Otago Cricket for long-term success, on and off the field.

"Change is never easy, but it's often necessary to stay relevant, modern, and aligned with where the game is heading.

"We’re focused on building a strong and sustainable future, and while that does involve some transition, it's being driven with clear intent and a real sense of direction."