BADMINTON U.S.A.: SEARCH ONGOING FOR A NATIONAL COACH

**This NEW SHUTTLENWS report is presented by YANG YANG BADMINTON PRODUCTS and their Southern U.S.A. agents, SPORTSNET INTERNATIONAL (Email:jumpsmash@aol.com /Tel:713-771-8905/Fax:713-771-4446)**

July 7, 1997 (NEW SHUTTLENWS) - According to sources close to the sport of badminton in the U.S.A., the national badminton association has finally accepted the resignation of national coach Steve Butler and has began a search for a replacement to guide American player development through to the 2004 Olympic Games.

The association's search for a new national coach is focused on experienced badminton coaches from Asia and Europe. The leading candidate is said to be a well-known Asian coach.

However, Morten Frost's contract with the Badminton Association of Malaysia as well as Park Joo Bong's arrangements with the Badminton Association of England has raised the salary expections for experienced national coaches and the pay demands of the top coaches may be out of the American association's reach.

The circumstances surrounding Butler's sudden resignation from his position as national coach may also hinder the association's efforts in attracting a top coaching talent.

(migrossman)