Newborough’s 2013 senior coach Allan Chandler has decided to part ways with the Bulldogs following the team’s disappointing Mid Gippsland Football League grand final loss.
Chandler said after three years at the helm he decided it was time to move on and make space for a new voice to guide the players.
That new voice will be provided by former Bulldog premiership player Glenn Michie, who was formally appointed this month.
Michie left the club after 1999 to play at Moe and later coached at Frankston YCW and Hastings.
Club president Steve Hall said he hoped the new coach could take the team “that one step forward”.
Chandler said the premierships that had eluded the team in 2012, but particularly in 2013, made the decision to leave or stay difficult.
“Losing the granny didn’t help. It was hard. I have aspirations, I want to coach a senior premiership.”
The influential leader said he felt returning as coach next season may have hindered the Bulldogs’ efforts to attain ultimate glory.
“I think it’s the right thing for the club and the players.You start to lose that edge with your voice,” Chandler said.
“Hopefully the boys that have worked so hard can achieve what they’ve been after.”
Reflecting on his time at the club, Chandler said he was happy with what he had achieved.
“I suppose I’m really happy with the start and the finish… going from winning four and a draw in 2010, to making finals in 2011, and playing in the grand finals in 2012 and 2013,” Chandler said.
“It’s disappointing we didn’t get the couple of results we were after – that’s the only regret.
“Some players have improved immensely and the club is set up for the next few years.”
Chandler said he planned to coach elsewhere next year and was in talks with four clubs to date, including one in the Latrobe Valley, and was “just trying to find the right option for me and my family”.
