WACA terminates Veletta's contract

THE Western Australian Cricket Association today announced the termination of its contract with Western Warriors coach, Michael Veletta.

The decision was taken following a recommendation from the International and Interstate Committee.

Mr Veletta has concluded two years of his three-year term as Western Warriors coach.

The remainder of his contract will be paid in full by the Western Australian Cricket Association.

In terminating Mr Veletta's contract, WACA Chief Executive, Mrs Kath White, said the decision was part of a full review of the state's cricket operations and plans to carry Western Australian cricket forward.

"The I&I committee has made an extremely tough decision not to continue with Michael Veletta as our state coach," Mrs White said.

"This decision was not taken lightly. But, it has been made in the best interests of Western Australian cricket.

"An assessment of our senior coach and all cricket operations is taken as a matter of course at the end of each season. That process is currently being undertaken.

"The I&I Committee has not acted solely in response to performances of the Warriors in season 2002-03.

"This assessment process has been on-going for some time.

"The I&I Committee and the WACA, believes that our state has a very talented group of young and developing players, as well as our established international players.

"In taking this decision, we are mindful of our responsibility to our current senior Warriors players and our representative youth program to enhance their prospects of success at the highest possible levels of performance."

Mrs White said that the WACA will immediately commence an extensive search for a new State coach.

Selection of a new Warriors coach will be conducted in accordance with the comprehensive review of cricket operations being conducted by the I&I Committee.

The WACA will make no further comment on this matter.