Welsh Netball Axe Coach Wilcox

Wales and Celtic Dragons Head Coach, Trish Wilcox is to leave Welsh Netball with immediate effect.

The decision comes just days after Wales failed to qualify for the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool after defeats to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

And it leaves Wales looking for a new coach with the Commonwealth Games just over two months away and the Dragons new season soon to start.

Wilcox had been in charge for three-and-a-half years taking over from Melissa Hyndman as the new Head of Elite Performance.

She had previously worked for Netball New Zealand and Auckland Netball, Cook Islands and Samoa Under-21s.

Welsh Netball CEO, Sarah Jones said: “I would like to thank Trish for her time in charge of Wales and Celtic Dragons.”

“Trish joined Welsh Netball at a transitional time for netball in Wales, her dedication and passion has been second to none and is unquestionable.”

“It is with regret that we have had to make a change, as Trish has worked very hard over the last few years.

“However, it is known that the targeted and expected results for Celtic Dragons, Netball Europe 2017 and Netball World Cup Qualifiers 2018 did not meet expectations.

“Given that we face another fiercely competitive Superleague season with Celtic Dragons and a challenging Commonwealth Games pool we must look to the future and implement a change.”

“This has been a difficult decision. Trish has been an integral part of Welsh Netball over the last few years. She has forged a proud, passionately Welsh ethos within the senior squad and she has managed the team well despite some challenging constraints.”

Welsh Netball can also confirm that Assistant Coach, Mel Tuckwell and Team Manager, Donna Crossman have decided to step down from their voluntary management roles.

Jones added: “We would also like to thank the volunteer management staff that have worked under Trish:

“Assistant Coach Mel Tuckwell and Team Manager Donna Crossman. Their dedication to Wales and Celtic Dragons, despite being volunteers with limited time and resources, has been outstanding. We wish them well for the future.”

Welsh Netball will be making an announcement regarding a new management team in the very near future.

On the next steps, Jones said: “Our focus now turns to bringing in a new management team to take Wales and Celtic Dragons forward.

“Welsh Netball, the fans and sponsors have the highest expectations and we, along with our players, are determined to work towards future success.”