OCA losing some good people: Coggan
LOOKING for a job — there are plenty going at the Otago Cricket Association.
The head coach, the pathways manager and the head of events and sponsorship have all left the association this month.
And two more personnel have signalled their imminent departure.
That is plenty of change for a small organisation to absorb.
OCA chief executive Mike Coggan said the organisation was losing some ‘‘good people’’ in a time of transition.
‘‘It is never ideal when you lose really, really good people,’’ Coggan said.
‘‘They have put in a lot of time and effort in the organisation and we wish them all the very best,’’ he said.
Earlier this week, Volts coach Rob Walter resigned after five seasons in the role.
He has accepted a threeyear contract with Central Districts as head coach.
His wife, Heather Walter, is also lost to the organisation. She was the head of events and sponsorship.
Talent development a player pathway manager Adam Miles has also moved on after four years with the association.
He has shifted to Southland to support his wife who has returned as a pharmacist in the family business.
There will be a couple of more vacancies opening up soon as well.
Longserving performance and talent identification manager Mark Bracewell has signalled he will retire in July. He has been with the association in various roles for the past 13 years.
And strength and conditioning coach Blaine Clancy will not be seeking to renew his contract with New Zealand Cricket.
‘‘Again, he is someone who has played an integral part because he has become really proficient . . . so we have to replace a really capable person there, as well.’’
Clancy is expected to have his last day in the role in early August.
Coggan faces a busy period ahead recruiting new staff.
Ideally a new head coach would be appointed before the playercontracting process for next season was complete.
Coggan said it was not an ideal situation but he was confident the playercontracting discussions involving Walter, performance manager Simon Forde and selectors Warren McSkimming and Steve Martin have ensured the new coach will be equipped with a good core of players.
‘‘If you remember back to when Rob was appointed in 2016 . . . he did inherit the squad for that next season.
‘‘It is what it is. But we have a pretty settled squad of quality players but it would be ideal if the head coach played a key role [in selecting the group] but it is just not going to be.’’
Potentially, there is a curly conversation to have about whether Dean Foxcroft is recontracted. The South Africanborn allrounder has been stuck in the republic since returning to his native country in March 2020.
There is still no clarity around when he will be able to return but Coggan said the OCA remained committed to supporting his return.
‘‘And he is keen to come back. He has been desperately trying to get back.’’