Central District sack SANFL coach Jeff Andrews, one year into a three-year deal
Central District has sacked coach Jeff Andrews after just one season into his three-year deal at Elizabeth, but the Bulldogs have denied favourite son Paul Thomas has taken over the role.
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Central District has confirmed the axing of coach Jeff Andrews just one year into a three-year deal.
A day after news broke that the club had sensationally cut ties with the former Werribee VFL assistant, the Bulldogs made it official.
“The board and management thank Jeff for his contribution to the club and wish him every success in his next coaching endeavour,” Central chief executive Kris Grant said.
”Furthermore, contrary to reports, the club has not appointed Paul Thomas as senior coach and has not spoken to any other person in regard to the position at this stage.
”No further comment will be made at this time.”
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
— Central District Football Club (@Ceeentrals) September 30, 2020
There will be no further comment from the club on this matter until the appropriate time.https://t.co/xYKAkMqBgp
Central premiership skipper and favourite son Thomas has been tipped as Andrews’ successor after losing his job as an Adelaide Crows development coach during the season because of COVID-19 cuts and returning to the Bulldogs in an off-field capacity.
The axing of Andrews was a shock given Central’s strong finish to the season.
After managing just a draw and seven losses in the opening eight rounds, the Bulldogs won three of their last six games, includingbeating minor premier Woodville-West Torrens in the final round to avoid their first wooden spoon since 1977.
They also beat Norwood and lost to premier Glenelg by just one point at the Bay.
Following the thrilling, after-the-siren win against the Eagles last Saturday, Andrews said the future was bright at Elizabeth and he was looking forward to next year.
“We know we’ve got to get on the front foot with our recruiting but the last half of the year was promising,’’ Andrews said.
“We’ve got a core of young players coming through, including Jack Toner, Jackson Kelly, Chris Olsson, Jordan O’Brien and Rhett Montgomerie, who are becoming good State League players.’’
Now the job of rebuilding Central will be left to someone else.
In a statement released by the club, Andrews said: “I am disappointed to have parted ways with Central District Football Cluband I wish the players every success in the future.
“Like all sporting organisations, the club has faced unprecedented challenges this year and I believe the team has developedand will continue to progress in 2021.
“My intention is to return to Melbourne with my family and continue my coaching career.”
The Bulldogs’ decision to cut ties with Andrews would have cost them a considerable payout.
And it comes in a year where they called on their supporters to rally behind the club in a bid to raise $250,000 to help saveit from extinction because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time, Grant said he had not been so concerned about the club’s future since he became chief executive in 1977.
STURT, GRIMA PART WAYS
Sturt has parted ways with senior coach Nathan Grima.
The Double Blues have opted not to renew Grima’s contract after two years in charge, despite the former North Melbourne and Essendon defender making an impassioned plea to keep the job.
Sturt president Jason Kilic said it had been a difficult decision not to extend Grima’s contract.
“This year (2020), for obvious reasons, has been tough on everyone,’’ he said.
“Our results have been disappointing, finishing sixth. However, 16 players made their league debut in 2020 and we believe along with quality recruiting this will set up the club to play finals football next season. We wish Nathan and his family all the very best.”
Grima, who took Sturt to fifth in his first season in charge last year. said he regrettably accepted the decision.
“It has been a difficult season and we did not get the results we wanted,’’ he said.
“I believe I have grown in my role as senior coach and look forward to the next opportunity in football.”
Dumped Crows assistant, Martin Mattner, would be a contender for the Sturt job after taking the club to premierships in 2016-17.
