The long-serving coach was basically unseated when the Steel made the decision to advertise her job earlier this month. Broughton chose not to apply, believing the franchise had already decided to make a change.
"It was pretty pre-determined, obviously," she said.
"And if there is a loss of confidence, you can't work within that sort of operation."
The franchise said its decision to advertise Broughton's job was part of its succession plan.
But Broughton said she had planned to hand over the reins to her assistant, Jo Cunningham, at the end of the 2012 season.
"You don't apply for jobs when there was a succession plan in place with the assistant coach.
"She got very little look in."
Broughton said she was not bitter but, in a parting blow, wondered whether the Steel board was in touch with the game.
"It was their prerogative and that is the way they operate ...
but I don't know how many of them have been involved with netball. I suppose there will be a few, I'm not sure. But once it happened I didn't traverse it."
Broughton, who led the Sting to seven titles in 10 years and has more the 40 years' coaching experience, believes she still has a lot to offer at the top level and made the decision to pursue the Pulse job. The Wellington-based franchise welcomed her into the fold last week, sparking speculation several Steel players would follow Broughton north.
A lot of analysis was devoted to which players might join Broughton at the Pulse, but of more pressing concern for the Steel is how many fans will don new colours next season.
"It has been unbelievable," Broughton responded when asked whether she had received much support.
"It has been quite humbling.
Lots of Southlanders are saying, 'Oh my goodness, we'll have to follow yellow now'."
As for a large chunk of the Steel squad turning up in Wellington next year, Broughton played down that prospect.
There will be some changes, she said, but the Pulse has a promising core of players who Broughton would like to see retained.
"I would keep the core together. I thought they played with a lot of heart and they understand the culture.
I'm not going in a new broom sweeping clean."
Broughton will travel to Wellington in the "next week or so" to discuss personnel. Everything has happened so quickly she has not had a chance to sit down and talk with management.
The Pulse has made a good start, re-signing captain Katrina Grant. However, Broughton felt there was no hurry to approach players.
She believes the majority will take some time to mull over offers and carefully consider their playing futures rather than rushing into a decision.
Broughton confirmed she will move to Wellington for the duration of the season and said she would miss the "wonderful support" of the Southland community.
"Perhaps it will be like that in Wellington, who knows?
"But, from my point of view, it is the coach's responsibility to be where the team is and that's definitively what I'll do.
Whether the Pulse have players coming in and out like the Steel has done over the years, I'm not sure.
"I'd prefer it if we were together."
