By James Crook

143903472April 19 - British Swimming are searching for a new women's water polo head coach as Hungarian head coach Szilveszter Fekete leaves the role following six years at the helm.


Fekete led the team to their first European Championships in 12 years when they appeared at the tournament in Eindhoven last year, and to their first Olympic Games, also last year.

"I've enjoyed my time in Britain and have been very fortunate to have worked with such a dedicated squad of athletes at the training centre in Manchester," said Fekete.

"The improvements they have made over the past six years have been impressive and I'm sure, given the athletes' strong work ethic, they'll continue to rise through the world rankings in time for the Rio Olympics in 2016."

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes paid tribute to Fekete's impact on the team, and vowed to appoint a coach that can build on the progress made by the Hungarian since his appointment in 2007.

149542071Fekete led the British women's team to their first European Championships in over a decade and their first ever Olympic Games last year



"Szilveszter has done an outstanding job since he arrived in post," said Sparkes.

"He has been the driving force behind the improvement of women's water polo and leaves them in good shape for Rio.

"UK Sport through its funding award for the Rio cycle has recognised the strong potential of the women's team and we will now be looking to appoint a coach to take us to the next level."

Dutchman Paul Metz - who has previously worked with the British men's team - will lead the team up to the World Championships in Barcelona later this year on an interim basis before a permanent appointment is in place.

Metz also coached the Dutch women's team to a fourth place finish at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and to fifth place at the 2003 World Championships.

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