MPNFL 2021: Chelsea coach James Brain stands down after four years

James Brain says the added demands of Covid was behind his decision to relinquish the Seagulls coaching reins in the MPNFL.

Chelsea coach James Brain addressing his players this season. Picture: Valeriu Campan

There was a contract on the table for James Brain to continue as coach of Chelsea in MPNFL Division 2.

But, after four years in the role, he chose to knock it back.

“I needed a break to be honest,” he said.

“The last two years with this Covid stuff...we played 14 games in two years and I don’t think any coach would have had any time off.

“I just need a bit of a break. I’ll stick around, the door will always be open there. I’ll try and refresh myself a bit.”

Brain intends to continue playing for the Seagulls next season and believes the new coach will have a talented list to work with.

“We had a bit of an indifferent year, too,” he said.

“We had a good side, we just couldn’t capitalise. So I thought, ‘righto, see if we can get some fresh faces in and capitalise while there are some good players around’.

James Brain takes a kick for Chelsea. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“The club were really good. There was no just me walking out or anything.

“They wanted to continue the relationship which was good, so I’ll stick around and play there next year.

“I’ve been there five years and coached for four.

“I think they just needed to bring in someone else from outside, a bit of something fresh.

“I just needed a rest, that’s the main thing.”

Brain said the constant interruptions to the season owing to Covid had increased demands on coaches.

It had become a demanding job, more than just footy-wise, he said.

“There’s no switching off, that’s the biggest thing,” Brain said.

“I think as a player you can sort of just switch off when you want.

“And even the last two years the mental toll on players is the biggest thing.

“You’ve got to be there for them mentally, more than footy wise. They’re a pretty delicate bunch the 20 year olds these days, you’ve got to make sure you’re on the ball to make sure they’re all doing okay, that’s the main thing.”

Chelsea president Michael Davis said Brain had done an outstanding job in ensuring the wellbeing of the playing group during the pandemic.

“(It) has been his priority demonstrating his superior leadership qualities putting the needs of the playing group and club ahead of his own,’’ Davis said.