Premier Cricket: Ian Stanger stands down as Camberwell Magpies coach

The Camberwell Magpies must find a new coach following the resignation of mentor Ian Stanger. Latest here.

Ian Stanger has stood down from the Magpies coaching role. Picture: Camberwell Magpies CC

The Camberwell Magpies are on the hunt for a new coach following Ian Stanger’s resignation from the role.

The former Scottish international player landed at the Victorian Premier club last July following stints in the WA and NSW top-flight cricket competitions since moving to Australia in 2008.

He led the Magpies through the 2020-21 season, where the ‘Pies finished 14th with a 4-10-2 record.

Stanger expressed his “regret” to the players of his decision to stand down, due to personal circumstances prompting a move back to Perth.

“It has been a great pleasure to be involved with Camberwell Magpies Cricket Club and whilst the past year has served up its challenges, 2020-21 was a unique cricket season that will stay in the memory,” Stanger said in his address to the players.

“Many thanks for the opportunity to work with you all and for making me feel welcome. I do hope it’s not the last time that I will be around the ‘Well’.”

Magpie great Simon Hill announced his retirement last month. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Club president Peter Warner paid tribute to Stanger’s coaching tenure, noting he had done an “admirable job” amid the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic under “unprecedented” circumstances.

“It was a tough year with many challenges on and off the field; not least with a new senior coach having to meet a whole new group of players over Zoom meetings, organising restricted training sessions in the COVID world and no clubrooms at McQueen Park for the first half of the season,” Warner said in a statement.

Stanger told Leader following his appointment that “a line in the sand” needed to be drawn at the ‘Pies following the club’s 11th-placed finish to the 2019-20 season, with his vision being to change “fundamental things about how you want the club to be successful”.

Warner believes Stanger has been a key driver in a culture shift at the club since arriving.

“Ian has been the corner stone of a change in culture and direction at the Camberwell Magpies and we greatly appreciate everything he has brought to the club,” he said.

“It is a pity that life circumstances take him back to Perth, but we wish Ian and his partner all the very best for the future.”

The Camberwell Magpies will begin their search for a replacement immediately.