x4

Planet Field Hockey

Kevin Towns, coach of the World Cup-bound NZ mens hockey team, talks to PFH.

PlanetFieldHockey: How long have you coached the NZ team? And what is the highlight of your coaching career?
Kevin Towns: I coached the New Zealand team from 1989 through to and including the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Prior to that I managed the New Zealand side in 1986 (World Cup) England and the following year. I resigned my position as coach in 1992 as my son Simon was breaking into the scene and was a contender for the 1992 Olympic team, it was a tough decision and in hindsight a mistake not taking him - it was for this reason that I decided to resign.

Between 1992 and 1997 I was Head Coach of the New Zealand Women?s academy working with both players and coaches in a development role.

After hearing the results from the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Osaka in 2000, talking to many of the players and understanding the position New Zealand Men?s Hockey was left in I decided to put my name forward again. I was appointed in July 2000 and immediately set about rebuilding the team with a goal to gain a medal at the Commonwealth games in Manchester 2002 and qualify for the 2004 Olympics of course at that time we had no reason to believe that we would get an opportunity to go to Edinburgh.

Gaining a ranking of eight at the 1992 Olympics was a highlight for me, the team performed well in all games with the exception of the first against Spain signaling for me that New Zealand, given the youngsters coming through there would be an opportunity to progress into the top six and better.

PFH: Were you happy with your team's performance at the World Cup qualifier?
KT: I was happy to have qualified but disappointed that we did not perform well enough to make the top four and give ourselves an opportunity to be in a position to contest a top ranking. We were simply not consistent enough especially against teams that packed the midfield playing negative Hockey something we are aware of and working to overcome.

PFH: Do you feel you have made a statement that you deserved to be at the qualifier, and what is your opinion on the qualification criteria?
KT: Did we make a statement? Yes but I am sure there were many teams and officials around the world that weren?t surprised at our results and thus there was very little impact when we did qualify. The changes made to the qualifying criteria that put New Zealand in the position it found itself in lacked any in depth of thought, lacked detail and in my opinion showed the sport up as being amateurish. Hockey in my opinion has led the World in many aspects of team sporting events from rule changes and the introduction of them, the judiciary at Internationals, the card system for umpires and the development of artificial surfaces decisions such as those made to change the qualification criteria set Hockey back and leave it as just another sport muddling its way through it?s business. Whoever was responsible for dreaming up the qualification criteria and the four-pool system should be given a job outside of Hockey.

PFH: What will your expectations and goals be at the World Cup?
KT: Our expectation/goal set by the team just prior to the World Cup qualifying tournament in Edinburgh was ?We will finish in the top 8 in the World Cup (Malaysia) 2002?. This goal/vision will be reaffirmed when the new squad is selected after our National Hockey League in late October early November.

PFH: What kind of preparation will the team undertake?
KT: It has been difficult to confirm our build up being a late entry to the qualifying tournament however we are planning to spend at least 10 days out of the country working in hot humid conditions with a squad of players then we expect to play a 4 test series early January finally departing for Kuala Lumpa between 10-12 days before the opening ceremony. There will be weekly regional training sessions for all squad members from the end of our National Hockey League in October through out to early January.

PFH: What is your approach to coaching - is there a particular philosophy that defines the way you coach?
KT: Very briefly my coaching philosophy is:
Ø Consultative approach
Ø Develop a team culture that is agreed to and managed from within the team
Ø Ensure there is a clear understanding of goals (individual & team)
Ø Encourage participation of all players in developing playing strategy
Ø Develop winning culture (not exclusively based on game results)


PFH: What is it like coaching with your son on the team? Have you encountered difficulties with the player-coach, father-son situation?
KT: I have found it most enjoyable and satisfying, we are very good friends and are able to share our thoughts not necessarily agreeing at all times which in itself is positive. There will always be situations and moments that cause me to reflect on decisions ensuring that they are fair and just.
The most difficult situation I have faced was omitting Simon from the 1992 Olympic side because he was my son I don?t intend to make that mistake again but I am always conscious that there may be a time when I am tested again.

PFH: What do you feel is the biggest strength of your team? And where do you feel you can improve?
KT: Our mixture of on the ball skill and pace along with a blend of youth and experience is certainly a strength in this team. A number of squad members are now playing for overseas clubs giving much needed exposure to the different styles and skills adopted by teams around the world, which adds to and strengthens our game.

Patience and penalty corner skills are paramount to the success of this team going forward.

Rate This Article

Select Here  5 Stars  (Best Rating)   4 Stars   3 Stars   2 Stars   1 Star  (Worst Rating)

Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.