Hockey coach Terry Walsh quits, but says he's open to renegotiation

National hockey team coach Terry Walsh on Tuesday submitted his resignation after his contract-related talks with sports officials failed, but added that he was open to renegotiation.

The Australian will leave for Perth, but is expected to return after four days.

"I have now been in the job for 12 months, and we have grown a lot. Each phase of improvement in that time has been quite noticeable as far as I am concerned. As far as the last month is concerned, it has been a traumatic time. Emotions are running very high, much higher than when I am sitting on the side watching an intense match," Walsh told ANI.

"There are too many highs and lows, which has made it difficult. We have to move past that. I have to readdress exactly where I am," he added.

Walsh further said that his talks with sports officials had been nearing settlement before the occurrence of what he called 'unnecessary drama'.

"The direction was very clear, and in our marathon meeting, the matter was almost settled till something came up at the last moment, which created quite a few hours of unnecessary drama," he said.

"I spoke to the team this morning and I will speak to them again, because, they are the most important group," he added.

Confident in the talent of the national side, Walsh also said that if the team manages to get through this time positively, it will be a powerful team, adding that the team is prepared for a solid participation in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

"It is important that we get through this phase and that we get through it intact. It has been a difficult time for both the individuals and the team as a whole. If we can get through this positively, then I think it will be a very powerful team," he said.

"The reality is that we are prepared for the Champion's Trophy and we have been doing a lot of work along the way. Monitoring what we are doing is critical, because, physiologically, we are at a stage of exhaustion and we have to get to other end. We are working very hard to make sure that the progression within the group is appropriate from one tournament to the next," he added.