VAFA: Paul Groves resigns as St Bernards coach
St Bernard’s is on the lookout for a new coach after Paul Groves stood down following “a very tough time” in his tenure at the club.
Vic Amateur
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St Bernard’s will have a new man in charge to lead its rebound from relegation.
On Wednesday night, the club announced Paul Groves had stood down from the senior coaching role citing growing family and work commitments.
The Snowdogs will return to Premier B for the first time since 2018 next season after they finished bottom of the Premier Division ladder with just two wins.
It was just the second wooden spoon in club history.
Groves was first appointed for the 2020 season which was eventually cancelled due to the pandemic before guiding his young side to five wins in 2021.
Away from footy, Groves works at St Bernard’s College as the director of sport and is a father to three girls.
“The club has an exciting young playing list, passionate to improve and succeed with their mates,” Groves said.
“I would have loved to have continued and it’s a tough decision knowing the likely success next year but excitingly the college is embarking on some new sporting programs requiring more of my time and of course spending more time with Sarah (Groves’ wife) and the girl’s after being involved in coaching for 12 years.
“I’d like to thank everyone at the club for their support and friendship over the last three years, wish everyone success and look forward to supporting them at The Pit during 2023.”
President Andrew Vinecombe credited Groves for his commitment throughout the last three years.
“It’s been a pleasure to get to know Paul as a coach, friend and to work with him seeing first hand his passion and knowledge of the game,” Vinecombe said.
“He took us through a very tough time and we had many, many conversations during those extraordinary years.
“His first thoughts were always of the players, the club and getting us through it together.
“I understand the decision, he has a genuine wish for his players and the club to succeed next year and beyond, however his work commitments and importantly his family come first.
“The club wishes to thank Paul, Sarah, Zoe, Ella, and Georgia and look forward to them all supporting games in 2023.”
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