BALLARAT Red Devils chairman Duncan Smith has no intention of standing down amidst concerns over the club’s future.
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The long-serving club benefactor told The Courier he intended to remain in his role at the National Premier Leagues Victoria club, despite the shock resignation of head coach James Robinson.
Robinson resigned last Monday, prompting strong member and supporter backlash towards the club's administration.
It’s understood that Red Devils players have engaged in discussions regarding the club’s future at least once since Robinson left.
However, when Smith was asked whether he felt any pressure regarding his own tenure, his response was simple.
"Not at all," Smith said.
Smith also addressed suggestions that the board may have been divided on the Red Devils’ entry into the National Youth League.
He confirmed that the decision to play against NYL teams was approved by the executive board, as was the appointment of former Socceroo Alan Davidson as youth football manager.
The club confirmed the appointment of Davidson, as well as Robinson's departure, on Facebook last Tuesday night.
Both posts have since been removed.
Smith also revealed that the club has been in contact with Football Federation Victoria.
“We don’t have to, but we told them (FFV) that James had resigned,” Smith said.
“They don’t have an issue with that.”
FFV did not comment on when discussions had occurred, but confirmed that the two had been in contact.
“FFV remains in regular dialogue with Ballarat Red Devils administration and key stakeholders,” the organisation confirmed.
“FFV is working with Ballarat Red Devils to ensure the club fulfills all license criteria for National Premier Leagues Victoria participation.”
The Red Devils are currently on the search for a new head coach.
According to Smith, the club’s main priority is filling the vacancy left by Robinson.
“We’re moving forward,” he said.
“We’re looking for a new coach and that's our priority right now.
“We’ve had several people contact us and are also looking at others who could be interested.”
A selection panel for the next coach has yet to be determined.
We're moving forward. We're looking for a new coach and that's our priority right now.
- Duncan Smith
However, Smith said that, “(with) all things being equal,” he expects a short-list to be finalised within the next 10 days, with a coach to be appointed shortly thereafter.
Last week, two former board members said they held concerns over the future of the club, given Robinson’s shock departure, while a person close to the senior group said the players remain in a “terrific” mindset.
An executive board member, contacted by The Courier, said she was unavailable for comment on Monday.
Robinson has also been unavailable for comment.