TROY Auld says blurred lines of responsibility had made his role as Hepburn senior coach untenable.
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Auld broke his silence on his departure from Hepburn in a prepared statement to The Courier today.
Burra president Jason Olver confirmed on Tuesday that Auld had left the Central Highlands Football League club, citing “health reasons” were the cause of the departure.
Auld, 32, was in his first season as coach at Hepburn, having coached Bridgewater to back-to-back premierships in the Loddon Valley league. Auld said the premature end to his season had evolved from Olver’s involvement in the football department.
He said he had not been given an opportunity to front the club committee before his departure. Auld dismissed any suggestion of a player revolt.
“I had just completed mid-season review meetings with players and not one player utilised the option of being cleared to another club by the June 30 deadline.
“I walk away with the side sitting second on the ladder and in premiership contention, which is something that I’m proud of. I would like to thank the many players and supporters of the club who have contacted me with well wishes.
“It’s been much appreciated.
“I wish the playing group the best of luck for the rest of the season and have encouraged all those disappointed (with the event of this week) to knuckle down and put their best foot forward.
“It’s important to recognise clubs are bigger than individuals.”
Auld, who lives in Bendigo, said it was too early to say whether he would coach again. His coaching record in three years is 45 wins in 49 matches, including the two LVFL premierships. Olver defended his position within the club, saying his role had not changed in the 12 years since retiring from the game, even though he had been president for the past three.
“Everyone in the club, and in most opposition clubs in the league, know the way my unique position works, and so did Troy when he took on the job,” Olver said.
“I’ve virtually been football manager since I retired, and Troy asked me to continue the same role because he did not know the opposition, being new to the league.”
Olver said Auld had asked him to cite illness for his departure on Monday night, and said he was given the opportunity to front the club’s committee.
“He has resigned twice already this season.
“I asked him to meet last week with the committee.
‘‘He refused to do so and I wanted to speak face to face, and the final decision has come to this,” he said.
“It’s very rare that a team and a coach depart when they are sitting second on the ladder, and our club has thought long and hard before coming to what we feel is the right decision.”
david.brehaut@thecourier.com.au
tim.oconnor@thecourier.com.au
