By Nick Butler
Wales' netball team are still targeting a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month despite confirmation Melissa Hyndman has been sacked as coach and replaced by Laura Williams on an interim basis.
Wales' netball team are still targeting a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next month despite confirmation Melissa Hyndman has been sacked as coach and replaced by Laura Williams on an interim basis.
After taking over the running of the team in 2010, Hyndman engineered a period of steady growth during which the national team rose from 19th to their highest ever position of eighth in the world rankings.
Hyndman coached Wales to an unprecedented ninth place at the 2011 World Netball Championships in Singapore and an historic first gold at the 2013 Europe Open Netball Championships in Aberdeen.
They also qualified for Glasgow 2014 four years after failing to do so for Delhi 2010.
At the same time, the 45-year-old from New Zealand gained a reputation for a tough, no nonsense approach to the extent that comparisons were drawn with legendary former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
In April, it emerged that she was temporarily leaving her post due to "personal circumstances", although it subsequently became clear an internal investigation had been launched, with it being unlikely she would return to her post.
A statement from Welsh Netball today has confirmed that "following a robust and rigorous internal disciplinary procedure, high performance coach Melissa Hyndman has been dismissed from her role with immediate effect".
It added: "The process follows a number of allegations being made, and in line with Welsh Netball's disciplinary procedures, the action to remove her from the role was taken on Sunday June 8.
"With less than 50 days to the Commonwealth Games, Welsh Netball has moved quickly to provide continuity to the squad and has appointed Laura Williams as interim head coach who will lead the team into the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow."
Wales are hoping to build on their recent success at the Commonwealth Games despite the change in coach ©Getty Images
Welsh Netball chief executive Mike Watson declined to comment further on the situation regarding Hyndman, but did express his confidence that the improvement of the team would not be affected by the changes in personnel.
Under Williams - previously assistant coach who stepped in during Hyndman's absence - the team have already enjoyed success at the Netball Europe Championships in Cardiff, where they defended their title and qualified for the 2015 World Cup in Sydney with a 51-43 victory over Northern Ireland in their final match.
"The team bonded really well under Laura at the Euros," Watson told insidethegames.
"They are now fully focused on the Games where they are aiming to win the gold medal.
The Glasgow 2014 netball competition is due to begin on July 24 at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre Precinct and last for 12 days before concluding on August 3.
Wales face a formidably tough task if they are to be successful in their gold medal aim, with their opponents including the world's three top ranked teams, neighbours England, as well as world champions Australia and defending Commonwealth Games gold medallists New Zealand.
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]
Related stories
April 2014: Welsh Glasgow 2014 netball preparations hit by coach's absence for personal reasons
In April, it emerged that she was temporarily leaving her post due to "personal circumstances", although it subsequently became clear an internal investigation had been launched, with it being unlikely she would return to her post.
A statement from Welsh Netball today has confirmed that "following a robust and rigorous internal disciplinary procedure, high performance coach Melissa Hyndman has been dismissed from her role with immediate effect".
It added: "The process follows a number of allegations being made, and in line with Welsh Netball's disciplinary procedures, the action to remove her from the role was taken on Sunday June 8.
"With less than 50 days to the Commonwealth Games, Welsh Netball has moved quickly to provide continuity to the squad and has appointed Laura Williams as interim head coach who will lead the team into the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow."
Wales are hoping to build on their recent success at the Commonwealth Games despite the change in coach ©Getty ImagesWelsh Netball chief executive Mike Watson declined to comment further on the situation regarding Hyndman, but did express his confidence that the improvement of the team would not be affected by the changes in personnel.
Under Williams - previously assistant coach who stepped in during Hyndman's absence - the team have already enjoyed success at the Netball Europe Championships in Cardiff, where they defended their title and qualified for the 2015 World Cup in Sydney with a 51-43 victory over Northern Ireland in their final match.
"The team bonded really well under Laura at the Euros," Watson told insidethegames.
"They are now fully focused on the Games where they are aiming to win the gold medal.
"A lot of teams will be hoping to do that but you have to be confident to stand a chance."
The Glasgow 2014 netball competition is due to begin on July 24 at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre Precinct and last for 12 days before concluding on August 3.
Wales face a formidably tough task if they are to be successful in their gold medal aim, with their opponents including the world's three top ranked teams, neighbours England, as well as world champions Australia and defending Commonwealth Games gold medallists New Zealand.
Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]
Related stories
April 2014: Welsh Glasgow 2014 netball preparations hit by coach's absence for personal reasons
