Steel opts for change in coaching structure - August 22, 2012

The Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel franchise will revert back to a traditional coaching structure, chief executive David Bannister announced today.

An innovative co-coaching arrangement was trialled during the 2012 ANZ Championship season with Janine Southby and Natalie Avellino sharing the responsibilities.

However, the Southern TeamCo board, which governs the Steel, last night supported Bannister’s recommendation the franchise return to a head coach and assistant coach configuration.

“When you adopt something as innovative as a co-coaching structure in elite sport, it would be foolish and irresponsible not to assess its effectiveness at the end of the season,” Bannister said.

“That was always the plan and that’s exactly what I’ve done to determine the best way to continue moving our franchise forward.”

Bannister, who took over at the helm of the franchise in January, said he “inherited” the co-coaching arrangement.

“Is it one I would have put in place based on my own experience within elite sport? No, it’s not. Hence the reason I recommended the change,” he said.

“But it was certainly not an easy decision to make. Both Janine and Nat have given this franchise a 100 percent commitment during the past year and their effort and dedication is to be commended.

“We recognise the skills and knowledge each bring to the role and retaining both coaches is definitely a priority for us given the progress we’ve made during the past season.”

Further discussion will now take place with both coaches to determine which will lead the coaching team for the 2013 season with a final decision expected next week.