EFNL 2023: Blackburn, coach Brendan Allen part ways

Blackburn is on the hunt for its next senior coach following a shock split with long-serving mentor Brendan Allen.

BLACKBURN has entered the market for its next senior coach after parting ways with long-serving mentor Brendan Allen.

The Eastern league Premier Division outfit split with the coach of six years following the club’s first-week finals exit.

Allen took over in the role ahead of the 2018 season, lifting the club into a grand final in ‘19. He never missed the finals during his time in charge.

Brendan Allen has finished up as coach of Blackburn. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Blackburn president Casey Johnson said it was a “mutual parting of ways”.

“After six years, Brendan thought it was a good time for change,” Johnson said.

“Clubs have to evolve with change and he had six years which saw us playing finals in each of those, other than obviously the Covid-interrupted seasons.

“Like any club, we have to evolve and Brendan thought the good thing for the club would be to part ways and give someone else the chance to head up our men’s football department in the coaching role.”

But Allen, who had another season to run on his contract, said it was “flattening” to step away.

“I’m disappointed not to be able to fulfil the contract,” he said.

“Six years is a long time, and I’m sad I didn’t get the flag I was employed to get, but it’s probably a little bit flattening at the same time that I’ve got to step away.”

The former Sandringham VFL assistant hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching in the future.

Allen said the desire to lift a senior cup as coach remained strong.

“It (coaching) is something I love doing … I haven’t got a senior flag as yet as a coach so there’s still a bit of a fire that burns there – it makes me want to continue on,” he said.

“(Coaching) is a big part of your psyche or your persona – take away that head title as senior coach and you sort of sit there and go ‘What am I going to do now? Go fishing?’

“It’s part of who I am, I love footy and I’m probably a little bit burnt out at the moment, but I’ll come back at some point.”

The outgoing mentor expressed his gratitude towards the army of Blackburn supporters.

“Thank you to all the Blackburn faithful for all their support over the last six years,” Allen said.

“They could’ve easily got rid of me when we were 1-4 back in 2018 and then went on to win eight straight I think it was – I’ve never felt so under pressure in all my life, to be honest.

“They’re the Richmond of the EFNL – biggest supporter base and the most passionate, so I appreciate everything they’ve done for me and all their support.”

Johnson paid tribute to Allen’s tenure.

“His contribution has been enormous to our club,” Johnson said.

“What he’s been able to do with the list we’ve had and the young stars coming through our very strong junior ranks has been fantastic.”