High performance boss Tim Nielsen ‘mutually parts ways’ with Redbacks

High performance boss Tim Nielsen has paid a price for the Redbacks’ inglorious performances – and will leave at the end of the season.

Former Australia coach Tim Nielsen has paid the price for another disappointing Redbacks season.

The South Australian Cricket Association’s general manager of cricket has agreed to “mutually part ways’’ with the organisation at the end of the 2023-24 campaign as the Redbacks face another wasted year.

They sit bottom of the Sheffield Shield table with two wins and six losses with two matches to play – against New South Wales, starting on Friday at Cricket Central, Sydney, and Tasmania in Hobart from March 11-14.

The Redbacks haven’t won a Sheffield Shield since 1995-96 and have finished bottom of the table in 10 of the past 14 seasons.

Nielsen has been involved in SACA’s high performance programs since 2011 and was appointed general manager of high performance in 2014.

Tim Nielsen at his departure press conference. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Morgan Sette

SACA will undertake a global search process to find his replacement.

President Will Rayner paid tribute to Nielsen, saying his love of South Australian cricket was unquestionable and that SACA had been fortunate to have had his involvement for so long.

“Tim is widely respected, not just for his years of service, but for the passion and energy he has brought to his position and to the game of cricket,” Rayner said.

“Tim transitioned from a Sheffield Shield-winning player with South Australia to state and national coaching roles and the management of our high performance program.

“He has been a key figure in the emergence of players such as Travis Head, Darcie Brown, Alex Carey and Tahlia McGrath, on top of three Big Bash titles (two women’s and one men’s) and some famous victories.”

A standout wicket-keeper as a player, Nielsen represented SA in 101 first-class and 51 List A matches from 1990-99, scoring 4444 runs and notching 386 dismissals.

While overseeing three Big Bash titles, the Redbacks have struggled during Nielsen’s tenure.

They have this season compiled a standout fast bowling brigade but their batting has long been a major issue.

Redbacks players trudge from Adelaide Oval after losing their Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland last week. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“Tim’s remarkable service as a player, coach and administrator speaks for itself and we wish him the very best in the next chapter of what’s been an impressive career,” Rayner said.

Nielsen said that while his departure from the role signalled the end of an era, he felt it was time for change.

“Ten years is a long time and I’m especially grateful for the many highs I have been fortunate to experience along the way,’;’ he said.

“We always want to win more but I am comfortable that I have given everything I can with my staff in the pursuit of consistently competitive teams at the domestic level and producing players that contribute to our national teams on the international stage.

“I will always be proud of the achievements shared with the playing group and I am grateful for the support I have enjoyed over the years.

“While you’d always prefer to end on a high, it feels like the right time for renewal, both for the SACA and for me personally.

“The SACA has been a significant part of my life for a long period and will always be part of me.

“I will forever be grateful for the playing, coaching and administrative opportunities I have been afforded and hope that South Australian cricket can develop to the stage where we dominate the male and female game for a period of consistent success.”