Will James steps down as Scotch Old Collegians coach, citing personal reasons – Jonathan Lagonik caretaker coach

A new coach has stepped down from his role just six rounds into the Adelaide Footy League season. Here’s why he made the move.

Scotch Old Collegians’ coach has resigned from the job six weeks into the season as the club faces an early challenge to stay in division three of the Adelaide Footy League.

Will James – a former Pulteney, Pembroke and St Peter’s OC coach and Scotch OC player – made the decision to step down due to personal and family reasons.

“I’m going through some mental challenges and my focus has now got to be with my children,” James said.

“It’s all good with the club, they’ve supported me fully.”

Scotch OC Football Club

Scotch OC had experienced a challenging start to season 2022 in division three, sitting second bottom after winning one game from its first six and losing by under a goal on three separate occasions.

While it would seem the club might face a challenge to stay in the division, James believed he was leaving it in a strong position.

“The club is currently going through a rebuild with a bit of an exodus of players at the end of last year but the future looks bright with so much youth to work with,” he said.

“A Grade has been more than competitive in its last four outings and if a couple results within a kick had gone our way, we would be sitting top five.

Scotch OC Football Club

“It is disappointing that I can no longer put in the effort required to see the turnaround, but I thank the club for being so supportive and I will be on the sideline supporting as soon as possible.”

The A Grade side had been without their coach for the last three rounds after he was suspended for ‘abuse and a threatening manner to an umpire.’

Club president Andrew Camens said James’ decision to step down was not in relation to that incident, which happened against Seaton Ramblers.

“I think the stress he has been under probably led to that incident happening,” Camens said.

“We’ve been fully aware of Will’s personal circumstances for a while, it’s taken his focus away from football and we’re fully supportive of him and we’re going to wrap our arms around him.

Scotch OC captain Jonathon Lagonik will take over as caretaker playing-coach. Picture: Morgan Sette)

Former premiership coach Kym Cobb joins Lagonik as assistant. Picture: Dean Martin

“We’ve just gone through mental health round and this sort of thing is something we’re hyper aware of, so it’s important we continue to support him and make sure we’re there to help.”

Club captain Jonathan Lagonik has been appointed caretaker playing-coach, while former premiership coach Kym Cobb, who departed last year, will return as an assistant.

“Jono (Lagonik) is an absolute champion leader and he has coaching aspirations,” Camens said.

“We’re confident he can fill the role at such short notice, he knows the playing group intimately and having Kym assist him is going to put us in a really good spot to challenge for finals once we stabilise.”

Scotch OC takes on SMOSH West Lakes this Saturday.