Successful Gold Coast Premier League coach Lee Vernon a chance to remain at Broadbeach
THE drama surrounding Lee Vernon’s departure as Broadbeach United’s Gold Coast Premier League coach may not be over yet, with the hugely-successful mentor believed to be a chance of remaining with the Dolphins.
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THE drama surrounding Lee Vernon’s departure as Broadbeach United’s Gold Coast Premier League coach may not be over yet, with the hugely-successful mentor believed to be a chance of remaining with the Dolphins.
The club shocked the Coast football community on Monday when it announced on Facebook that Vernon, who has coached the Dolphins’ Premier League side for 10 of the past 11 seasons, had opted not to continue in the role in 2020.
The following day, a second Facebook post - attributed to president Michael Doyle - sparked rumours of a falling-out between he and Vernon after alluding to a specific incident.
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“At a recent meeting between senior club members I reacted way over the top and in a manner I am not proud of,” the Facebook post stated.
“In reflection I certainly would change my conduct and the words I chose. I guess at times we say things we later regret, and this is certainly that time for me.
“I have always lead the club with my heart and at times my passion may/definitely does get the better of me. For this I wholeheartedly apologise and hope that we can continue in our Broady tradition of mateship and solidarity.
“I have known Lee for the best part of 30 years, and have considered him a friend, peer and confidant over the years. What a truly remarkable job you have done here at Broadbeach and in the greater Gold Coast Football fraternity.
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“The sacrifices you have made personally and to your family are truly amazing and you should be highly acknowledged for this.”
While Broadbeach have since remained tight-lipped, the Bulletin understands certain club officials are holding out hope Vernon will stay on next season.
Vernon, who has overseen a Dolphins side that has won four championships and six grand finals since 2009, has not returned calls from the Bulletin but said as recently as two weeks ago he hoped to return to the coaching post next year.
Dolphins vice president Simon Kalaba, to whom the club’s initial Facebook post was attributed, said the plan was to make an announcement on the new coach within the next month.
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“We wish Lee the very best of luck with his future and his achievements will be forever written into the history pages of football here on the Gold Coast,” the post stated.
“The 2020 coaching positions are therefore under consideration with an announcement to follow in the near future.”
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