Whitsed was told by the Storm on Tuesday that the club would appoint a new coach for the 2011 BFL season.

Whitsed has coached Strathfieldsaye in its first two years in the BFL, leading the Storm to a respectable four wins in its debut season last year, and improving that to six this year.

The Storm remained in the hunt for a finals berth this year as late as round 15, with president Ray Patterson saying yesterday of Whitsed’s sacking: “There’s nothing sinister about it, but we need to take that next step forward.

“Clint has done a magnificent job and he was the only bloke a couple of years ago who was prepared to put his neck on the line when no one else would.

“No decision like this is ever made lightly, and the footy club will always be indebted to Clint’s efforts. This is certainly nothing against Clint’s football or coaching abilities, but we just believe that it’s time to move forward.’’

Patterson said the Storm hoped to have Whitsed’s replacement appointed “as soon as possible’’, and at this stage there was no preference for a playing or non-playing coach.

“It will come down to what we think suits the playing list and the club the best,’’ Patterson said.

Speaking to the Bendigo Advertiser yesterday, Whitsed was clearly devastated at losing his position at the Storm.

“I honestly don’t know what I did wrong or what I could have done better,’’ Whitsed said.

“The frustrating thing about it is with the meeting we had on Tuesday, I sat down expecting to talk about how we were going to go about next year and recruiting.

“Then for them to say you’re no longer required, I was just completely shocked and deflated.’’

Whitsed had indicated to the Bendigo Advertiser last Friday that he understood he would be coaching the Storm again next year.

“There was no indication at all during the year that this was coming,’’ Whitsed said.

“At the time of the meeting you try to put a brave face on. But after sleeping on it, I was quite bitter with what had happened.