Otago Cricket is pleased to announce that Vaughn Johnson is to be the new Coach of the Otago Volts, replacing the successful and long-serving Mike Hesson.
CEO Ross Dykes said “We are delighted to have, within our own region, a Coach of Vaughn’s experience who has the qualities to take an established team forward. Vaughn has worked extensively with the Volts, knows the structures and the culture of the team and has an excellent rapport with all players”. As a former player and then coach Johnson’s connections with Otago Cricket go back many years.
Vaughn had a successful record when coaching Wellington and has been responsible for the development of a good number of New Zealand’s fast bowlers. His recent work as Specialist Fast Bowling Coach to New Zealand Cricket ensures he is up to date with all modern aspects of coaching.
Dykes added “While we had a couple of other excellent applicants, the decisive factors in Vaughn’s appointment were the respect in which he is held by our players, his record of success as a First Class Coach, his knowledge of the way our team and management work and the fact that he is a born and bred Otago man who will maintain the “southern culture” that exists within the current Volts squad”.
Dykes confirmed that “the contract is for two years and while Johnson will commence duties by the beginning of July, he will ensure that his other current cricket commitments are not compromised”.
Johnson added “I am very excited and happy to be back involved with Otago Cricket, the opportunity to join a successful association and team that I am extremely passionate about is something I am very much looking forward to”.
Vaughn Johnson Fact File
- 1984-1991: 27 First Class & 20 List A fixtures for Otago
- 1995-1997: Coach of Otago, including 1996-97 Shell Trophy Final
- 2000-2006: Wellington Coach through an era where they won two First Class titles, a One Day title and four Cricket Max titles
- 2009: Otago Volts assistant coach at Champions League in India
- 2007-2010: New Zealand Cricket specialist pace bowling coach
