Netball NZ endorse Aitken's coaching role

The Silver Ferns "win column" may have been lacking a few ticks, but Netball New Zealand remains confident they have the right person at the helm ahead of the game's showcase events.

Ferns coach Ruth Aitken came under pressure this year with a shock series loss to the World Seven followed by a 3-2 series defeat to Australia.

But her position remains safe, with NNZ chief executive Raelene Castle confirming Aitken's "big picture" was one they were happy with leading into next year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and the 2011 world championships in Singapore.

"From a planning and growing perspective for Delhi we were really pleased [this year], but from a results perspective we were slightly disappointed," she said. "We would have preferred a few more W's in the win column."

But Castle said Aitken, who has a contract through to the 2011 world championships, had the backing of NNZ and endorsed the long-term plan for the Games and world championships.

She said Aitken's performance this season had been reviewed after the end-of-year tour which saw the Ferns win the inaugural World Series fastnet competition, beat England in extra time and share a two-test series with Jamaica in Kingston.

"We knew exactly what Ruth was trying to get to, she had explained that to us," Castle said. "When you have the inside information it makes the analysis of what's happening on court much easier.

"While losing is not acceptable ... sometimes you have to push through those challenges and make sure you build the depth that you need."

- © Fairfax NZ News