WAFL: West Perth coach Bill Monaghan breaks silence on sacking to thank club

Bill Monaghan released this statement through the club this afternoon after the West Perth board explained at the weekend why it sacked him.

I would like to thank the West Perth Football Club for the opportunity to coach the football club over the last 10 years.

Over that journey there have been many highs and lows and thankfully many more highs than lows culminating in the 2013 premiership.

Other achievements that I am proud to be a part of were reaching the 2015 and 2018 grand finals, the opportunity to coach the only WAFL side to play at the MCG, the 2014 Foxtel Cup grand final, multiple final appearances and many remarkable performances including a record 100-point victory against the old enemy, scoring 5 goals in 5 minutes to snatch a victory against Swan Districts and the recent turnaround from the qualifying final to name a few.

More importantly it is the friendships and relationships established with players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, members, families and supporters who go into making the fabric of football clubs that I will remember and cherish the most.

There were times when my passion may have been misinterpreted or misplaced but I have no regrets as I only ever wanted what was best for the players. In return those players paid me back in spades in what they gave me, my fellow coaches, each other and most importantly the jumper each and every week.

People come and go and great clubs will outlast all of us and I hope that history will look favourably on my time as coach of the West Perth Football Club.

With the league team contesting this year’s grand final, the reserves playing finals football and a united and professional playing group with strong leadership there is plenty of hope for future success.

I wish all players, coaches and the new board the very best for that future.

-Bill Monaghan