Robinson, who took out this year’s coach of the year award in the National Premier Leagues Victoria One season, resigned on Monday, effective immediately, shortly before sending a consoling text message to various Reds members.

A copy of the message, supplied to The Courier, read: “Just to inform you all that I have handed my resignation as the senior head coach of BRD effective immediately. You have all been a pleasure to work alongside and have enjoyed fantastic memories with you all. I wish you all the very best and believe that you will all go on to achieve your desires. Cheers, Robbo.”

The club confirmed his exit on Facebook on Tuesday night, before announcing it had signed former Socceroo Alan Davidson as youth football manager for its under-20 team that will play against National Youth League teams in a series of friendlies.

It’s understood that the decision to enter into the NYL put further pressure on an already strained relationship between Robinson and Chairman Duncan Smith.

Former president Tony Spurgo said Robinson’s exit from the club is a “massive blow”.

“I think it’s (the reason Robinson has resigned) more the working relationship between him and the chair in my eyes,” Spurgo said.

“I’m very disappointed that James has decided to resign and the club will suffer from it – I see it as a big loss for the club.

“I personally think that the NYL was a distraction that the club didn’t need, our main focus should be on the NPLV.

“The players respect James immensely and that could have further ramifications – but that’s just my opinion.”

Chairman Duncan Smith said he was unaware of the reason for Robinson’s resignation and declined to comment on his relationship with the head coach.

He also said the executive board had supported bringing Davidson to Ballarat, but declined to comment on member backlash after Robinson’s exit.

Smith said Robinson had a year to run on his contract, with the club now looking for a senior coach.

He said there had already been expressions of interest.

Some Red Devils members and supporters took to social media to express their sadness at Robinson’s exit.

Smith was recently reappointment as the club’s chair after it was announced he stood down in May, following a series of crisis meetings to determine the club’s future.

He has since returned to the role and titled himself ‘chairman’ in a press release sent to The Courier in October.

Former long-term committee member Stan Burns said he held concerns for the running of the club.

“I’m not happy with the structure of the club, I’m not happy with how it’s being run,” Burns said.

“I think it’s (Robinson’s resignation) a tragedy for the club.

“He’s brought the players up to that professional level and he’s tried to drag the committee up to those expectations.”

The club is lacking several positions at management level, with sources confirming to The Courier that there are currently only three of five executive board members instated, while the board is currently non-existent.

The exact reasons for Robinson’s departure remain unknown, with the head coach unavailable for comment.

Executive board member Wayne Sandford was also contacted for comment.

A person close to the senior group said the players met on Wednesday night for a briefing session to discuss the club’s current situation.

They said the players are in a “terrific” mindset, despite the loss of their highly respected mentor, and remain united.

“We are one group and we won’t do anything without anyone else’s approval,” they said.

“We’re just discussing what we can do as a group of players. United we stand, divided we fall.”

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au