SFNL: Long-serving local footy coach Hayden Stanton has called time on his two-decade tenure
One of local footy’s most experienced coaches has called time on his 23-year career. He explains his decision while the club lauds his impact during a difficult time.
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Hampton Park coach Hayden Stanton says it’s time for him to shift his focus.
Stanton, who has coached local footy for two decades, will step down as the Redbacks coach at season’s end.
He steered Hampton Park to a final last year and has it on the way to another finals berth this season.
Hampton Park has endured low player numbers and constant facility setbacks during Stanton’s two-year rein.
Stanton says it is time to put his career first.
“I have been doing it a long time now,” he said.
“I am a real estate agent so I am in a unique position, there’s not many coaches out there trying to sell real estate on the major day and then nicking off to coach.
“I have tried to keep it together for the last three years but it’s got to the point now where my profession needs to override my coaching.
“I have been doing it for 23 years and it’s just time for me to focus on other things now.”
Stanton coached at ROC, Mulgrave, Monash Blues, Doveton, Garfield and then Hampton Park.
He has no desire to coach again.
“I have had my time, mate,” he said.
“Since I started until now I have seen such an evolution in how changes operate, the men and women you need to deal with, how they need to be coached, mentored and developed and just the money in the game.
“It’s at the point now where it’s time for people that are younger and have more tolerance I suppose to continue to evolve than perhaps I am prepared to do.”
Hampton Park president Craig Seers was adamant the club was better for Stanton’s impact.
“He’s been spot on, what he’s had to put up with the last two years … everything has been such hard work,” he said.
“To get us into finals last year and again this year, unless something goes horribly wrong, is just fantastic.
“He’s left the club in a far better place, we wish him all the best.”
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