'Communication issues': McCartney exits the kennelJennifer Phelan and Tim Roman
afl.com.au
October 10, 2014 12:39 PMWESTERN Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney has resigned after a tumultuous 24 hours at the club.
President Peter Gordon announced the coach's departure at a media conference on Friday morning, saying feedback from within the club indicated that McCartney's position for the 2015 season was untenable.
McCartney, 53, had coached the club for three years, with the Bulldogs winning 20 of 66 games with him at the helm.
He had two years to run on his contract.
The press conference was called the day after the club captain Ryan Griffen requested a trade to Greater Western Sydney, the team the Bulldogs lost to in the final game of the season.
Gordon indicated that after Griffen's request, McCartney had indicated that he was unsure if he had enough support within the club to continue as senior coach.
Peter Gordon and Simon Garlick face the media to explain McCartney's resignation. Picture: Getty Images
The Bulldogs sought further feedback from the playing group (amongst others) on Thursday afternoon, before coming to the conclusion that the task before McCartney was too great and the coach duly fell on his sword.
Gordon said McCartney agreed that staying on would be an "impediment to our continued improvement" and that he was leaving his post effective immediately.
However, despite the apparent player power at play, Gordon said "our players don't run this club, we do."
Read more at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-10-10/mccartney-gone