The sport in Scotland has been stunned by the resignation of John Quinn, the assistant head coach.
His departure was announced yesterday when it was revealed that he is to take up a post as Head of England Performance with Badminton England.
It is a significant blow just 14 months out from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and leaves BadmintonScotland, and their head coach Yvette Yun Luo in particular, in the unenviable position of searching for a new assistant during this vital period for the sport in Scotland.
Anne Smillie, chief executive of BadmintonScotland, said yesterday that their aim is to have a replacement for Quinn in place before the World Championships this August.
Englishman Quinn has been in the post for three years and worked mainly with the leading doubles players, having previously worked with the English and French national teams. The announcement could hardly have come at a worse time, as the national team leaves for Malaysia tomorrow to contest the Sudirman Cup, the world team championship, which begins on Sunday.
It marks Robert Blair's return to national team duty after requalifying following his return from England. He won three caps for Scotlan d before departing 13 years ago and went on to win 53 England caps and a world men's doubles silver medal in 2006 before deciding to return to Scotland. "It's really exciting to be back playing for Scotland," he said. "It's a very good team; there is experience and some very talented youngsters."
Blair is the elder statesman at 31 while Caitlin Pringle, who has one cap, is the rookie at just 19. Imogen Bankier is another world silver medallist, following her success with England's Chris Adcock at the 2011 World Championships at Wembley.
Scotland will face Russia, USA and Sweden initially, with the group winners to play the winners of a group featuring Netherlands, France, Canada and Austria in the knockout stage. The winners of that knockout round will earn promotion to the 12-strong elite Group 1.
SQUAD. Scotland Men Robert Blair (Glasgow), Martin Campbell (Edinburgh), Kieran Merrilees (Glasgow), Paul Van Rietvelde (Longniddry)
Women Imogen Bankier (Glasgow), Jillie Cooper (Edinburgh), Kirsty Gilmour (Glasgow), Caitlin Pringle (Glasgow) Coaches Yvette Yun Luo, John Quinn
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