Western Pride start search for new mentor before season ends

Trent Gregson’s sudden resignation came after he was called to a meeting to discuss the Western Pride’s future.

Western Pride women’s coach Trent Gregson has resigned over a difference of views on how to take the team forward.

Western Pride Football Club officials are looking for a new women’s head coach after the emotional departure of Trent Gregson.

The sudden resignation came after Gregson was called to a meeting on Thursday to discuss the Pride team which is working on regaining a spot in next year’s National Premier Leagues Women’s (NPLW) competition.

Pride is currently playing in the second tier Football Queensland Premier League 1 competition having finished eighth in the first half of the NPLW season.

Gregson said he stood down after a difference of views about his coaching style and how he wanted to continue taking the team forward this season.

“I feel that a coach is only as strong as the ethics he holds himself too and I wasn’t willing to jeopardise that,’’ Gregson said.

Declining to go into specifics, the first-year Ipswich club mentor said Pride officials wanted to develop the team a certain way that he didn’t agree with.

“It was about my ability to make decisions and my freedoms as a coach,’’ he said.

Former Western Pride women's head coach Trent Gregson thanked the support he received from the Ipswich community.

Having come from success at the Gold Coast, Gregson rebuilt Ipswich’s premier women’s side this season after Pride had to withdraw from last year’s competition due to a separate coaching saga.

Gregson said his decision to resign on Friday morning centred on being unable to continue a sustainable rebuild after what he considered to have overseen “the most successful (women’s senior) team in Pride history with seven games still go.’’

“Unfortunately I felt it would have jeopardised our foundation moving forward,’’ he said.

Pride’s stability plan

The former Pride coach stood down preparing to celebrate his latest birthday.

“To be honest, I was in tears. I was very upset,’’ Gregson said.

“The Ipswich community has been fantastic to me. The people, the supporters have been absolutely amazing,’’ Gregson said.

“I loved what I was doing there.

“It’s the first birthday in five years I haven’t had any football.’’

Gregson’s resignation came having just guided Pride to a historic Kappa Cup knockout competition grand final being played later this month.

The coach said he played a big part in that success, revitalising the base he inherited last year.

“I did a lot of work on their reputation and building a new brand and stuff like that,’’ he said.

“I really hope it continues.’’

Western Pride released a statement.

“Trent Gregson has chosen to step down from the Western Pride FC senior women’s head coaching role, effective immediately,’’ it read.

“Western Pride is extremely disappointed by this decision as the club saw Trent as part of our long-term plans. However, the club respects his decision.

“We are immensely grateful for the hard work that Trent has put into not only our senior squad but our women’s program as a whole.

“We wish Trent and his family all the best in his future endeavours.’’

Western Pride coach Trent Gregson getting behind the team when he signed on.

Gregson’s resignation came on the eve of his team preparing to play Peninsula Power at the Briggs Road Sporting Complex on Saturday.

Gregson said his wife Lisa planned to continue playing for the side as it works hard to win its remaining FQPLW games to restore a place in the 2022 NPLW series.

“The ladies (in the team) are actually amazing,’’ Trent said.

“They have been nothing but loyal to me.

“I wish nothing but luck to them.’’

Current Pride assistant coach Leigh Alexander has taken on the head role to complete the season.

Gregson said he would take some time to assess his coaching future.

“I’m in no rush,’’ he said, planning to concentrate on himself without any football responsibilities.

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