Skontra had an option to extend his contract into 2018, but the former Ballarat FNL inter-league coach has informed the club his time with the Magpies is up.

“When I took on the role, I fully intended to be with the club for a three to four-year period, however changes in my employment last October has made it extremely difficult to put the time required into coaching the Maryborough football team,” Skontra said in a statement.

Skontra has done a standout job in trying circumstances in his two-year tenure with the battling Magpies.

He has developed the club’s young players and led the Magpies to an emotional drought-breaking win against Castlemaine in round 10 this year.

“I think it is a really exciting time for a new senior football coach to become involved with the Maryborough Football Club,’’ Skontra said.

“Over the last two years a young playing list has been developed that are now playing passages of good and consistent football.  The club has outstanding facilities and a great culture and I expect improved performances again in 2018.”

Maryborough president Brendan Roughead paid tribute to Skontra.

“Shane will be a loss to the club as he is an outstanding coach and a terrific person,’’ Roughead said in a statement.

“Shane’s legacy at the club will last for many years through the development of skills that players now have.” 

Roughead said the Magpies had appointed a coach recruitment subcommittee to find Skontra’s replacement as well as a player retention and recruitment subcommittee to ensure the club retains and builds on its playing list for 2018.