11 Jul 2011

Time is right for Silver Ferns coach to stand down

5:40 pm on 11 July 2011

The time is right for Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken to stand down says former New Zealand coach Yvonne Willering.

The Silver Ferns lost the world championship final to Australia last night in Singapore by just one goal in extra time.

The next major tournament is not until 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Aitken has been coach of the side since 2001 and became the most capped international coach during the the tournament.

Her contract as expires in September with the Silver Ferns having two tests against England in October followed by three against Australia.

Willering says with assistant Wai Taumanu in the wings, Aitken could see out the year and then let her assistant takeover.

Willering says Taumanu's had a more hands on role coaching the side recently and with much of the Silver Ferns planning done on a four year cycle, it'd make sense for Aitken to stand down after the October series if she doesn't intend being around for Glasgow.