Netball: Broughton could be an option for Tactix

Robyn Broughton. Photo / Getty Images

Robyn Broughton has the future of at least two New Zealand ANZ Championship teams in her hands.

Widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the country, the Steel stalwart was effectively dumped this week, with the franchise deciding to advertise her position.

Her next move could have huge implications for the Tactix and Steel.

While Broughton is technically free to re-apply for her own job, it is always an unusual scenario, and in recent times only Graham Henry comes to mind as a coach who has successfully re-applied for their position. It seems unlikely Broughton will be interested as the relationship between her and the Steel board appears to have soured.

The Steel finished a disappointing seventh this year but chief executive Julie Paterson said the decision to advertise the position was "never about performance". Instead, it was about "succession planning" after a concern was identified late last year about the lack of it.

There should be real concern now. While their corporate support has held up, spectator numbers have dipped significantly in recent years, trending downwards from the halcyon days when huge crowds queued for Sting matches.

Now they might lose a clutch of players. If Broughton elects to continue coaching, which seems likely given her incredible passion for the sport, there is a real chance she will lure several Steel players to her next position.

Broughton is an incredibly loyal coach - sometimes this year perhaps to her detriment - and key players will be tempted to follow her. The Steel already have issues attracting talent due to their location, so this may cause a recruitment headache for the new woman in charge.

Meanwhile, the Tactix are on the lookout for a new coach after Helen Mahon-Stroud's resignation.

If Broughton can be persuaded to relocate to Christchurch for a period of the year, she appeals as the best option. Key shooter Donna Wilkins, who enjoyed a stellar season in a struggling team, is wavering about where she goes next season. She admitted the long commute from her home near Gore was sometimes tiring but she would surely love to reunite with her long-time mentor.

Other Tactix players like Maree Bowden, Anna Thompson, Charlotte Kight and Ellen Halfpenny seemed to thrive under Broughton in the 2010 Fastnet Series.

None of the other contenders - Canterbury NPC coach Tania Hoffman, current assistant coach Julie Seymour and Magic assistant coach Marg Foster - offer as much, though Hoffman is definitely a name for the future.

The Pulse are also on the lookout for a new coach, following the surprise resignation of Yvette McCausland-Durie, but Broughton is unlikely to be interested in moving so far away from home.