VSDCA: Ormond coach Murray Ring calls time on five-year tenure

Change is on the way for one of Subbies’ cricket most dominant clubs with their coach set to step down.

Ormond president Will Robertshaw admits Murray Ring’s boots will be extremely difficult to fill.

But the Monders must look for a new club coach as Ring will finish his five-season tenure at the conclusion of the 2022-23 summer.

The club out of EE Gunn Reserve had a bold goal in mind when Ring took the reins, craving the recognition of fellow Subbies powerhouses.

And as he steps down with three home and away games ahead of finals remaining in the season, Robertshaw is confident Ring has accomplished that task.

“Murray has spent five years at the helm and it’s been an awesome five years – he’s helped turn our club around,” he said.

“We’ve been fairly strong over the last decade in our ones barring a couple of seasons, but the last five years have been fantastic, the depth of other grades has started to improve.

“We want to be viewed with the Werribee’s of the world, the Kew’s, Oakleigh’s, who not just perform in the First XI every year but have that whole club mentality.

“Murray has been fantastic in doing that, but it can take a toll, five years is quite a while and he has decided he is burnt out.

“At this point in time Murray is staying on as a player in the First XI and can hopefully contribute for another few seasons.”

Ormond president Will Robertshaw sung the praises of Ring. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The club made the decision to announce the coaching change ahead of the season’s conclusion to be completely transparent with the playing group, in addition to being in a good place to land a steady replacement over the off-season.

“If we don’t start looking towards 2023-24 now then we are kind of behind the eight-ball,” Robertshaw said.

“Murray is well aware of that and I am not one for whispers behind everyone’s back, so I just said I think it’s within our best interest, the club’s best interest and his best interest, to give him the respect he deserves and let everyone know.

“He is still 100 per cent committed for the next two months, but this way there are no whispers around the club while we’re trying to talk to other people.

“It also gives everyone a really good chance over the next two months to thank him for his efforts.”

Ring’s decision to step down was one without distaste, as travel and the commitment to the role took its toll.

“Murray has travelled over the West Gate (Bridge) for five years, he’s currently in the Williamstown area but he used to travel all the way from Geelong,” Robertshaw said.

“You can imagine that travelling three or four times a week can take its toll, he has been an incredible servant who has been incredibly loyal.

“When we told the playing group on Tuesday night, everyone was absolutely shattered, I feel sorry for the next person that comes in because we’re not going to find another Murray Ring.”

The Monders travel to Caulfield this weekend in an attempt to stay within reach of a top-two finish.