Sloane departs with no regrets

Peter Sloane

Departing Blues coach Peter Sloane yesterday cited the late loss to the Hurricanes as the toughest time in his final Super 12 season.

His disappointment covered several themes. He lamented the side's repeated basic errors and lack of patience which derailed their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.

Sloane confirmed last night he was stepping down after four years as head coach of the Blues, a decision which meant the franchise would advertise for a replacement for the new Super 14 series.

"My work does not finish, though, for a few weeks because we have to get all the review work done and speak to all the players," Sloane said.

"I think I will leave the franchise in good shape for the future, I am confident there are clear ways for the group to go forward."

Sloane said he decided this year would be his last and had worked more on organisation, leaving the coaching duties to his assistants David Nucifora and Joe Schmidt.

"This job is not about one person, I just had the reins for a while and now it will be someone else's turn. It is time to move on, the timing's right."

The 55-year-old Sloane would not be drawn on his likely successor.

"They need to go through all the processes and I am sure New Zealand would like to make all that transparent," he said.

Sloane moved to the Blues in 2002 after stints at the Crusaders and Highlanders.

Winning the title in 2003 was one of his proudest Blues moments and while he was leaving the franchise he still wanted to coach somewhere.

"I have had offers to coach offshore, but I was a bit old-fashioned about staying here and seeing out my contract," Sloane said. "I am on contract until December 31 and we will see after that.

"If you can coach in the Blues franchise you can coach anywhere in the world," he added with unspoken hints about the politics and infighting which the franchise suffers from.

Another difficulty he battled with this year was the axing of Carlos Spencer.

"As a coach I have never seen such a skilled footballer and he has been a big part of our success. I personally wrestled with that for some time, but in the end we had to go elsewhere," Sloane said.

In assessing his final Blues season, Sloane said the crowds and support had been great. He had found it very challenging, a learning experience and a time when he expected to cop criticism from the media.

"I have no regrets. But personally as a coach there have to be question marks because you always want to win."