Geelong Advertiser | CRAIG McGough has stood down as Bannockburn coach after a drawn-out period weighing up his future.
The Tigers yesterday said McGough had chosen not to reapply for the job despite leading the club into a semi-final this season.
“Bannockburn Football and Netball Club had elected to exercise a process of due diligence prior to confirming a senior coach for the 2016 season,” club president Michelle Giles said in a statement yesterday.
“The club has been progressing ahead of schedule thanks to the work of Craig McGough, the executive and the playing group.
“As a club we are proud of many initiatives this year including free junior girls football, the inception of Net Set Go and the on-field success of all our teams.
“Unfortunately as part of this process Craig McGough has elected not to reapply for his position.”
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In previous weeks, McGough told the Geelong Advertiser he had “an offer on the table” for next year but was still deciding whether he could commit because of potential opportunities elsewhere and other commitments.
McGough’s consternation over his future prompted the club to prominently advertise the role last week, just days after the club was knocked out of the finals race by North Geelong.
Under McGough’s three-year tenure, where he followed through with a commitment to rebuild with youth and savvy recruiting, Bannockburn steadily climbed the GDFL ladder before returning to finals this season.
He last night said he felt the club was in a better position than when he arrived, before adding he had pointed the club in the direction of a credentialed candidate ready to take the club to the next level.
“Craig leaves our club with a mountain of goodwill and the understanding that he has been a leading force in the improvement of the Bannockburn Football and Netball Club both on and off field,” Giles said.
“Craig will forever be a welcomed member and friend of our club and we wish him all the best in his future football endeavours.”
