Premier Cricket: Ben Ryan steps down as Camberwell Magpies coach

An immediate search has begun to find the next coach of the Camberwell Magpies following Ben Ryan’s resignation.

The Camberwell Magpies must find a new senior coach following the resignation of mentor Ben Ryan.

The Premier Cricket coach has returned to lead Subbies club Preston which he headed from 2010-2011. He coached the Magpies through the 2021-22 campaign following his appointment in June last year, with the First XI recording a 3-12-1 record.

Ryan said while stepping away from the ‘Pies was a “difficult” decision to make, he remained “forever grateful” for the opportunity of leading a top-flight club.

Ben Ryan has resigned as Camberwell Magpies coach. Picture: Camberwell Magpies

“I have enjoyed every minute and learnt an immeasurable amount about coaching and life in the role. I believe the club is heading in a very exciting direction and I wish the club every success in the future,” Ryan said.

He returns to Preston with strong family ties where he’ll look to improve on the First XI’s two wins in the North-East group this season.

“I have decided to return to my original senior club, Preston in the VSDCA, where my dad also played, for an exciting opportunity to work with them over the next three seasons. Our shared vision will be to develop our young playing group and return our First XI to the top of the ladder,” Ryan said.

Ryan made the move into the ‘Pies role from the ACT’s Premier competition where he served as the director of coaching at the Australian National University. He also enjoyed a seven-year stint as competitions manager for the ACT premier and junior competitions.

The young Magpies won three First XI matches this season. Picture: Supplied

Magpies’ president Peter Warner paid tribute to Ryan’s time in the role and said he would be “missed” at McQueen Park.

“Ben was an energetic and enthusiastic head coach who created an environment that the players warmed to,” Warner said.

“With his assistant coaches, Ben developed a very young playing group to finals participation in two grades, along with having four players chosen to represent the Victorian metro side in the Under-19 National Championships in April.”

Warner said the Magpies would “immediately move to appoint a head coach” to lead the emerging group.

“We believe we have a very talented young playing group who with further nurturing will make the club strong well into the future.”