Pragnell had hoped to make an appointment before the end of this year, but that won’t be happening now.
“We haven’t reached a decision and don’t want to rush something for the sake of it because Christmas is just an arbitrary date,” said Pragnell.
There is a some “ongoing deliberation” and a “little bit of back and forth” in terms of confirming a preference, with potentially more due diligence to be done with third parties.
An announcement is expected by mid-January, though could be a week earlier than that, depending on contract negotiations and other business.
The panel had assessed the candidates based on several key attributes, during the extended interviews, which were done remotely rather than face to face.
“First and foremost, international coaching experience and the ability to demonstrate skills that are required for international coaching,” explained Pragnell.
“Coaching internationally is vastly different from club coaching so that’s key. Then there’s obviously some qualifications, with a preference around the Pro licence. And an ability to build or work with a team culture and help facilitate a growth in culture.”
The impending coach announcement will be accompanied by confirmation of the All Whites games in March.
