KEY POINTS:
New Zealand swimming has landed a big fish with the appointment of Ian Turner to run this country's leading club.
Briton Ian Turner, who has coached Olympic and world championships medallists, has accepted a role as the director of operations with North Shore in Auckland.
Clive Rushton, the high performance programme director for Swimming New Zealand, described Turner's signature as a huge coup for the sport here.
"He is a magnificent coach with a fantastic history," Rushton said.
"Without question he would have won more international medals than the whole of New Zealand combined.
"This is a real coup, both for New Zealand and the North Shore Swimming Club. He is a very, very big fish."
Rushton said Swimming New Zealand would look at using Turner's expertise in some manner.
"We'd be crazy not to. Obviously his first responsibility is to North Shore. It is the biggest and most influential club in the country and as such it is an integral part of the national programme."
Turner will step down as British Swimming's head coach on April 6, just over four months before the start of the Beijing Olympics.
Turner, who is scheduled to begin working in Auckland on April 14, worked with British Swimming for 10 years.
"It's been a difficult decision to make, but I've been made an offer that I found too difficult to refuse," Turner said.
"It's a great opportunity and I'm looking forward to a new challenge and a different lifestyle.
"Unfortunately, you can't dictate when these moments arise, but I know the group of swimmers I've worked with, together with the programme as a whole, are in great hands for the future."
- NZPA
