BENDIGO Pioneers’ talent manager Steve Sharp says it will be touch-and-go as to whether the club has its new coach appointed by the start of pre-season training.
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The Pioneers’ pre-season begins on Tuesday, November 15, with the search now on for a new under-18 coach after the club parted ways with Brett Henderson.
Henderson coached the Pioneers in the TAC Cup for the past two seasons.
“Brett had a two-year contract that expires on November 30. All coaches in the TAC Cup have one-to-two year contracts, and contract extension decisions are then made by the talent manager in consultation with other management within AFL Victoria,” Sharp said on Wednesday.
“Lots of contracts aren’t renewed. Brett isn’t the first one who hasn’t had his contract renewed, and like any footy club, no-one coaches a club for ever.
“Brett’s contract is expiring and it won’t be renewed… he hasn’t been sacked.”
In making the announcement last Friday, Sharp said the Pioneers wanted to go in a different direction with their coaching position.
“I guess we’re looking for someone who can build really great relationships with all the kids and make sure everyone has a great experience with the program, irrespective of their ability,” Sharp said.
“The position description is being drawn up at the moment, but probably the No.1 thing I’d be looking for is a really good relationship-building coach.”
Henderson is bitterly disappointed with the decision and has written to AFL Victoria asking for it to be reviewed, adding his relationship-building with players is “second-to-none”.
“I’ve had enormous support throughout the whole region, including people holding positions in high office, through to boys currently in our under-15 V/Line squad. I’ve also had support from some AFL clubs who are disappointed with the outcome,” Henderson said.
Apart from inaugural coach Tony Southcombe, who did the job for one season in 1993, Henderson is the only other coach of the Bendigo Pioneers not to have at least a four-season stint at the helm.
The new appointment will be led by AFL Victoria in consultation with the Pioneers.
“We’d like to get it moving as quickly as we can, but we’ve got plans in place as far as training goes for the first couple of weeks if an appointment isn’t made by November 15,” Sharp said.
“All current staff working in the Pioneers program will all be fulfilling similar roles in 2017. I have their full support moving into next season.”
