Magpies Crusaders announce Jamie Dunning as new coach

Joining midseason to a club already shrouded in controversy, the new Magpies Crusaders United coach wants to put smiles back on faces.

The Magpies Crusaders have unveiled their new head coach, Jamie Dunning, who arrives following the sudden departure of Brian Murphy over allegations of match betting.

Dunning has a nine-year stint in New Zealand coaching in the national league and more recently coached the Adelaide City women’s side.

With his family settled in South Australia, Dunning originally rejected approaches from the club to make the move north before the season’s start.

The Magpies Crusaders have unveiled their new coach Jamie Dunning. Picture: Max O'Driscoll.

Hearing of the recent troubles at the Magpies and understanding the challenge it would present the club, Dunning felt drawn to help and it was not long before the wheels were very much in motion.

He admitted there was a level of frustration within the dressing room with the Magpies Crusaders’ current predicament, but said he was looking forward to the challenge of keeping their season on track.

“I’ve seen the squad play ... they’re a decent squad and if we can string wins together, I’m sure we will be fine,” Dunning said.

“For me it’s about trying to win the league and finish as high as we can.”

The new coach is not planning to change too much in-season, other than make small adjustments to their structure without the ball.

He aims to at the very least play finals football but ultimately wants to see smiles return to the faces of his players, staff and supporters.

Dunning will be contracted until the end of the season, where club and coach will then sit down and determine the best path forward.

In an online post announcing the news, the Magpies Crusaders United board and committee thanked Dunning for the sacrifices he’s made in taking the coaching position mid-season.

Outgoing Magpies Crusaders United coach Brian Murphy departed the club alleging players’ families were betting on games. Picture: Matthew Forrest

The Football Australia Integrity Unit is currently reviewing allegations that family members of players have been gambling on matches.

The claims arose when former coach Brian Murphy resigned saying, “I’m not saying there’s match fixing but there’s definitely gambling been going on and it’s something that needs investigating further”.

The Magpies Crusaders focus now must turn to a clash against the Southside Eagles on Saturday at 6pm.