Currumbin head coach Michael King has accepted a redundancy package as the Vikings feel the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic

Currumbin surf lifesaving head coach Michael King has been sensationally axed from the Vikings after the State and Aussie titles were cancelled.

CURRUMBIN surf lifesaving head coach Michael King has been sensationally axed from the Vikings due to the ongoing financial implications of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

A letter sent to Currumbin surf sports athletes obtained by the Bulletin said the club was “compelled by current circumstances,” to offer King a redundancy package, ending his successful five-year tenure at the club.

Former Currumbin head coach Michael King. SUPPLIED

The unprecedented restrictions on the hospitality industry due to the coronavirus outbreak forced the Currumbin supporters club to shut its doors late last month, significantly impacting the club’s revenue streams.

In a letter sent to its squad, club president Ben Munro said the club was forced to make the tough decision after evaluating the club’s financial position following the cancellation of State and Aussie titles.

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“This was a very difficult decision to make because of the way we feel about Michael as a person and as our Lead Coach,” Munro said.

Currumbin surf lifesaver Karlee Nurthen with coach Michael King. Picture: HARVPIX

“Obviously, Michael is disappointed as are we.

“We are indebted to Michael for the way he has led the Water Section of the Club since he commenced in 2015.

“He has been an integral part of an amazing period for the mighty Vikings and has coached Currumbin athletes to earn Australian championship winning success in many water events including the prestigious Open Men’s Taplin Relay in 2018, the Open Men’s Board Relay in 2019 and a podium finish in the Open Men’s Ski Relay.

“We wish Michael every success in the future.”

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King made no comment to the Bulletin, indicating he needed time to process the decision.

The former Coolangatta Gold and Uncle Toby’s ironman series champion formerly coached at Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast from 1999-2014, helping put the club on the surf sports map and mentoring many current stars including Ali Day, Matt Bevilacqua, Luke Cuff, Matt Poole, Karlee Nurthen and Kirsty Higgison.

Currumbin surf lifesaving club champion 2018 Taplin relay team. Picture: HARVPIX

Following Mooloolaba’s decision to make cuts to its surf sports program in 2015, King moved to the Gold Coast where he joined Currumbin as head coach.

Currumbin director of surf sports Kurt Wilson has retained his position.

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Currumbin CEO Michael Sullivan said that Currumbin was still committed to its surf sports program moving forward and would work to re-open the Supporters and Surf Lifesaving Clubs as soon as restrictions lifted.

“We’ll still offer a vibrant surf sports program going forward,” he said.

“We’re committed to offering a program for our beach, boat, water, IRB and pool competitors and surf sports remains a key part of our overall club strategy.”