David Connell set to take on Tullamarine coaching position again

A Essendon District club that finds itself in a relegation battle has a made a coaching switch, returning to a familiar face, in a bid to save its reach.

Tullamarine has turned to a familiar face to save its season and its Essendon District league Division 1 status.

The Demons have announced David Connell will again take on the role of senior coach after Ben Tankard was relieved of his duties following a nine-point loss to Keilor Park last weekend.

Connell steps back into the role after relinquishing the role of president he took on after moving on from the senior coaching position at the end of the 2022 season.

Tullamarine currently sits 11th on the ladder with just two wins to its name, one ahead of last placed Glenroy.

David Connell is back as Tullamarine coach. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“We wish to advise that the club has made the decision to part ways with senior coach Ben Tankard,” Tullamarine said in a statement on Tuesday night.

“We would like to thank Ben for his hard work on and off the field, in particular his efforts to bond the junior and senior playing groups. We wish Ben all the very best in his future endeavours.

“On Sunday David Connell stood down as president, the executive committee met and elevated Michael Fiteni to the executive committee and voted Katreena Barley in as interim president.

“David Connell has since agreed to take on the caretaker coach role for the remainder of season 2023 at the request of the executive committee.

“We know that all our members will support everyone at the club as we transition through these changes.”

The 2023 season has seen a big change in the club’s fortunes after the Demons reached a preliminary final last season before ultimately being beaten by West Coburg.

Injuries and player unavailabilities have also hampered their form.