Rob Wilson: It is now the right time to leave

Mar 24 2010 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

ROB Wilson admits postponing the end of his time as Newcastle Vipers coach by a year was a bad career move – but general manager Jaimie Longmuir thinks it is one fans will thank him for in years to come.

The Canadian will call time on seven years in charge in the next fortnight, but remain a co-owner.

It is a decision he came close to making last summer, with an offer to coach in Italy on the table, only to refuse at the 11th hour. This time there is no alternative job, but Wilson feels the time has come.

"It’s definitely not been an easy decision but if I’m being honest I’ve given everything I can," said the 41-year-old, (below) who until last year included playing on a crowded list of responsibilities.

"It’s time to think about me for a little bit. I have been away from the kids a lot (he has two daughters) and I really want to spend some time with them. It’s been 24-7, 365 and there’s not been much break even in the summer for most years as player, coach, owner, in charge of hockey operations. There’s been a lot of great times but it’s not been easy."

As general manager Longmuir pointed out, this has been arguably the toughest season in Newcastle ice hockey history as the club battled the credit crunch while playing half their games away from Newcastle Arena.

Compounding that by leaving the club looking for a new coach and a new team was not something Wilson was prepared to do.

"I don’t think last time was the right time to move away," he reflected. "But we’re a year down the road and a lot of positive things have happened.