Turner quits Petone job

Press, 14 October 1986, Page 4

Turner quits Petone job

PA Wellington Grant Turner has quit as player-coach of Petone, a week after signing a contract for next season with the Central League soccer club. A Petone spokesman, Steve Minogue, confirmed last night that Turner had tendered his resignation and the club had accepted it. The club has wasted no time finding a replacement for Turner.

A former Miramar and New Zealand goal-keeper, Barry Pickering, who has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, will take over the coaching position. Mr Minogue said Petone was delighted to have secured the services of such an experienced player. “While Barry hasn't done a lot of coaching he has a ton of experience to call on,” Mr Minogue said.

MfeMinogue said the club felt badly let down by Turner

who played for Miramar last season.

“He cited business reasons and the fact that he wants to continue playing international soccer when he resigned,” Mr Minogue said.

“The committee didn't want to be messed about any more so we accepted his resignation and looked elsewhere."

Turner said he was disappointed at having to resign as he was looking foward to breaking into coaching. He said his job meant more travelling and he didn’t feel he could do full justice to the coaching job in the circumstances.

“I thought it best, and fairest to- everybody, to get out now rather than wait till the middle of next season,” Turner said. The All White said, he had no idea who he would be playing for next season but hopecfefeto still be in tiW national league.