Aussie Replaces Turner as New Zealand Coach (26 Jul 1996)

26 July 1996

Aussie replaces Turner as New Zealand coach

Glenn Turner was dumped yesterday (25 July) as New Zealand`s national cricket coach.

This was Turner`s second stint as coach and his term was only one year. It is no secret that New Zealand Cricket has been in turmoil. A lack of team discipline including cannabis smoking by some of the New Zealand players on their tour to South Africa two years ago, and focus on the real issue, namely playing winning cricket have been the highlight of New Zealand cricket over recent seasons.

Turner was one of several new appointments made just a year ago, in and attempt by New Zealand Cricket to clean up after a very poor and unhappy centenary season. In a strong stand Turner stood up to the players and among others sacked Ken Rutherford as captain and as a member of the team. It was widely expected by most New Zealander`s that given the improvement in the New Zealand teams performance and attitude Turner would be returned to the job.

Turner has been replaced by former Australian wicketkeeper Steve Rixon. New Zealand Cricket`s chief executive, Christopher Doig complimented Turner on his performance, saying that "he had done an outstanding job, however Rixon`s credentials were so impressive he could not be overlooked." "If we had a New Zealander of similar calibre we`d have settled for him, but Steve`s appointment should not be seen as reflecting any dissatisfaction with Glenn," Doig said.

In denying that the criticism of the team`s management by players, Chris Cairns and Adam Parore had anything to do with the appointment, Doig said "Cairns and Parore were dealt with some time ago, we regarded the matter as finished, and I`m confident we`ve made the right decision." Earlier this week Turner accompanied his wife, Sukhi, Dunedin city`s mayor, on a sister city visit to Japan. Turner was in transit when the announcement was made and would have a fax advising him of his fate waiting for him when he reached Japan!

Also announced yesterday was a new manager and chairman of selectors. John Graham, former All Black captain, headmaster of Auckland Grammer and teacher of Doig`s was appointed as manager of the team. The chairman of selectors, a position that Turner also held, was given back to Ross Dykes. Dykes who joins incumbents Mike Shripmton and Rick Pickard was unavailable last summer. The man of the moment, Steve Rixon has played 13 tests for Australia. On national television last night he gave the impression of knowing little about New Zealand cricket other than their poor international test record. Rixon said that he thought that while some improvement had been made in New Zealand`s recent one-day game, he hoped to introduce an improved style of winning cricket. "I`ll come with a positive approach, and be trying to make New Zealand a better team. From what I`ve seen New Zealand have tended to be too staid in the past. There needs to be a change of attitude."

While not confirming whether current captain, Lee Germon will keep his job, Rixon said, "There appears to be a good pool of players to work with, and there`s no reason to believe we won`t be far off the pace." Rixon will be based in Christchurch for the next two years, his wife and four children will continue to live in Australia where Rixon has his own leisure ware business.