The Steel last week named New Zealand under-21 coach Janine Southby and former Australian international Natalie Avellino as co-coaches of the franchise, taking over the reins from Broughton, who refused to reapply for her own position.
Broughton was last night linked with the open coaching role at the Pulse. If she were to take the post in Wellington, a number of her top Steel players would be likely to follow her.
It seems several players are unhappy with the new coaching line-up and, in particular, the appointment of Avellino.
Avellino, who was a player-coach of the Southland NPC side in 2008 and 2009, is said to have rubbed a few players up the wrong way.
It is believed there are at least two players still refusing to open the lines of communication with Steel management, which is in the process of trying to recontract players.
However, Steel chief executive Julie Paterson insisted she was unaware of disquiet among players.
"I have had no negative feedback from the players themselves. There has been a lot of really positive conversations around new coaches bringing fresh ideas," she said.
But such rumours are not good for the Steel, who are battling to retain talent.
Silver Ferns defender Leana de Bruin, named the joint MVP of the ANZ Championship, has been widely targeted by other franchises. And with Cambridge-based de Bruin finding the commute to Invercargill tough, the Magic or Mystics could prove more attractive options.
Australian import Natasha Chokljat did not have the happiest season with the Steel and may be tempted to move back to Melbourne, while former Silver Ferns shooter Daneka Wipiiti is unlikely to re-sign with the Steel next season after making the move to Auckland with her family.
- Dana Johannsen
