UPDATE: BERNIE Harrower remains Bendigo Spirit coach – for now.
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The Spirit board made no final decision on Harrower’s future at its meeting on Tuesday night.
“As part of our season review, we are conducting end of season interviews with all players. This also includes sitting down with Bernie Harrower to discuss the season as part of this process,’’ the board said via a statement.
“The board aims to have these interviews concluded by the end of the week.”
Harrower is out of contract and was told by the club two weeks before the WNBL play-offs that his job would be advertised at seasons end.
Earlier this week, the two-time WNBL championship coach publicly questioned the board’s performance this season saying it hadn’t supported the playing or coaching group.
Harrower didn’t want to comment on the board’s statement.
Spirit chairman Greg Bickley and Harrower will come face-to-face at Thursday night’s club awards night at The Foundry.
The presentation night has the potential to be tension-filled.
While the focus should be on the playing group’s outstanding effort to make a third-straight grand final, the white elephant in the room that is Harrower’s coaching future is bound to be the centre of attention.
Spirit fans voiced their disapproval of the board’s handling of the coaching position on Tuesday.
Sharon Bonazza, who made the trip to Townsville for Sunday’s WNBL grand final, said the long-time coach deserved to retain his job.
“Bernie Harrower, and the Harrower family, have been involved with the club from day one and his coaching skills have got the girls to many finals and three grand finals in a row.
“Bernie is popular amongst the fans and well respected by the fans.
“A group of us went to Townsville to watch the grand final and we didn’t see one board member at the game. Not even the chairman.
“Where was the support for the girls? It’s disgusting.”
The Bendigo Spirit board’s statement following its meeting on Tuesday night:
“The Australian Pork Bendigo Spirit Board met tonight and would like to publicly congratulate the playing group on a magnificent season of basketball and making a third consecutive grand final.
“Another successful season by the girls on the court, has done Bendigo proud.
“We look forward to continuing to celebrate the girls achievement this week which will culminate in the club awards night this Thursday at “The Foundry” at 7pm.
“As part of our season review, we are conducting end of season interviews with all players.
“This also includes sitting down with Bernie Harrower to discuss the season as part of this process.
“The board aims to have these interviews concluded by the end of the week.
“We would like to reiterate that this week is all about the girls and celebrating their wonderful achievements this year, and we urge all supporters to come along and show their support at the presentation night.
“Tickets are $50 and available by contacting Amy on 5434 2414.”