Ayres stands down as senior coach
11:49:06 AM Mon 21 June, 2004
afc.com.au
The Adelaide Football Club advises that its Board of Directors have determined not to extend Senior Coach, Gary Ayres’ current contract beyond its expiry, at the end of season 2004.
This decision was communicated to Gary this morning. As a result, Gary has decided that it’s in the Club’s best interests that he stand-down as Senior Coach – effective immediately.
The Club has subsequently undertaken discussion with Assistant Coach, Neil Craig, and has appointed him as interim Senior Coach, for the remainder of 2004. At the conclusion of the 2004 season, the Club will undertake a formal and extensive recruitment and selection process in appointing a permanent Senior Coach.
A number of facts and key points need to be communicated to the football industry, the public and in particular, to Club Members and Supporters:
1.Gary Ayres’ contribution:
Gary has been the Club’s longest serving Coach. The Club acknowledges that as a very significant contribution.
The Adelaide Football Club also expresses its gratitude and respect for Gary as a coach who has progressed our Club in a number of ways.
his win-loss record while at Adelaide is 55 wins 52 losses.
he has taken the Club into the finals in 3 of his first 4 years.
2.The key reasons to not renew Gary Ayres contract:
the Club’s lack of total and consistent competitiveness in 2004 and the fade-outs in the latter stages of recent seasons, and games this year.
The belief that Gary Ayres can’t take the Club’s list any further, and the Club will therefore be looking for a Coach with a better fit, given our future needs.
3.The Club’s decision not to terminate a contract mid-term:
The Club has consistently stated; it would not terminate Gary Ayres’ contract mid-term. However, it should be noted that Gary Ayres himself had recently requested ‘an early decision’ from the Club, in a meeting approximately one month ago.
A decision to ‘give notice’ is in fairness to both parties. To the Senior Coach– who needs to prepare for his future – and to allow the Club to set a new direction early and with openness.
4.The key reasons for appointing Neil Craig as interim Coach:
his knowledge, skills and strengths are well known and understood by our Club.
those attributes are ideal for the stage of development of our list; and in fitting the Club’s Senior Coach Position Description.
exposure to other elite sports.
he has a very positive rapport – and understanding of – our players.
5.CV outline of Neil Craig:
Former player – Norwood, North Adelaide and Sturt.
Norwood Senior Coach 1991 – 1995
Specialist Coach Adelaide Football Club 1997 – 1999
Assistant Coach Adelaide Football Club 2001 – 2004
Sports Science Co-ordinator – Australian Cycling Federation for 5 years.
The Adelaide Football Club will undertake a very comprehensive recruitment and selection process for a (new) permanent Senior Coach at the conclusion of the season.
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