EFL 2018: Andrew Tranquilli stands down as coach of Eastern Football League club Doncaster
DONCASTER coach Andrew Tranquilli has made a decision on his future at Schramms Reserve after the Sharks’ straight sets finals exit.
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DONCASTER coach Andrew Tranquilli has announced 2018 will be his last season in charge after the Sharks’ straight sets finals exit.
Tranquilli informed the club’s committee on Thursday morning that he would not be seeking reappointment for 2019.
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The 46-year-old has become one of the most respected mentors in the Eastern Football League, leaving Schramms Reserve as a two-time premiership coach after guiding Doncaster from Division 3 to the top flight.
He was announced as the coach of the Division 1 team of the year at Wednesday night’s Chandler Medal.
Tranquilli said he was “conscious of my expiry date” after serving in the role for seven seasons.
Doncaster has made the top five for three consecutive years but has a 0-4 record in finals since the start of 2016.
“I really want the next person to embrace what we’ve built, bring their own little touches to it and take it further,” Tranquilli said.
“It wasn’t an easy call but there’s also potentially opportunities elsewhere for myself.
“I have spoken to another club in a different league and they’re interested but whether it comes off … if nothing happens I’ll be a local supporter watching local footy and enjoying it from the other side of the fence.”
Tranquilli arrived at Doncaster after Adam Bester took the Sharks to the 2011 Division 3 premiership.
But Doncaster was relegated back to the third tier in Tranquilli’s first year after logging just three wins.
“I was very lucky I had support from the club, they understood we took a backward step but they believed in me and allowed me to put forward my thoughts and beliefs on how football should be played,” Tranquilli said.
“I guess that’s the proud part in that the support and the belief that the club gave allowed me to flourish and grow with the playing group as well.
“I’m leaving the Doncaster footy club in a good place knowing the next person will take it further and this playing group can take it further.”
Doncaster is also busy working behind the scenes at establishing an under-19s team for next year after not fielding a side this season.
President Sean O’Gorman said the club already had 16 under-19s players committed for 2019.
“We’ve just got to double that number, get it up to around 30,” he said.
“We’re really excited about a big season next year for our under-19s to field a really competitive side.”
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