Hockey: Men's coach will mull over future

By TERRY MADDAFORD

National men's hockey coach Robin Wilson will have to join the queue if he wants another two years in the job.

Wilson has met New Zealand Hockey Federation chairman Mark Peterson and chief executive Ramesh Patel as part of the review process and has been given time to consider his future following the disappointing results at this month's Olympic qualifying tournament in Japan.

While a little nervous before the meeting, Wilson said he felt more comfortable after having had the opportunity to talk a number of things over.

"We discussed the drop in our world ranking and the need to improve," said Wilson. "But there was no suggestion I should resign. It hasn't been all roses but I have enjoyed the challenge. It was a steep learning curve."

Wilson took over from Keith Gorringe in December 1998 and had his first contact with the team last March.

"It has been a fairly intense 53 weeks, with a number of internationals," Wilson said. "They have asked me to go away and think things over. I have to consider a number of things, including my commitments to hockey, my family and my farming business."

The coach, who will be appointed after the Lion Foundation Hockey League starts next week, will take the team through to the next World Cup, in 2002, and almost certainly the Manchester Commonwealth Games a few months later.

"The review process is continuing," Patel said. "Once that is done we will call for nominations for all positions with the men's team. Robin Wilson is welcome to apply and will be treated like all other candidates."

The incumbent selectors, Wilson, Grant McLeod and Craig Hobbs, will continue in that role during the national league.

Meanwhile, former national coach Kevin Towns has called for Australian or European coaches or player-coaches to bring a new spirit to the game in New Zealand.

"I would like to see some new faces and new ideas in the national league," said Towns, who will coach Waikato/Counties Manukau in this year's league and who does not dismiss making another bid to coach the national side.