WEST Perth’s board says it is seeking a new coaching style after parting ways with premiership coach Bill Monaghan.
Monaghan, who guided the Falcons to a grand final against all odds this year, holds the club record as the longest serving coach (10 years) and took the side to seven finals campaigns and the 2013 flag.
There had been speculation the new board, appointed after the Falcons came out of administration, could reappoint Monaghan for a new contract as one of its first acts.
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READ NOWBut in a statement released by chief executive Linda Hamersley and football operations manager Steve Trewhella this weekend, the club said the board had decided to “make a change” and appoint a new coach who will “lead the program through the next three to five years”.
“The West Perth Football Club holds high regard for the contribution Bill has made in the past decade,” the statement read.
“The club sincerely wishes Bill well in his future endeavours.”
President Neale Fong said the board “felt the time was right to make the change”.
“To bring a new style and approach to the playing group and look to what opportunities there are to better connect with our wider football community in the West Perth district,” Fong said.
“Bill has provided stability over many years and in particular this current year and we greatly appreciate the work he has undertaken on behalf of the club.”
The statement said Monaghan’s successor would be chosen after an “extensive recruitment process”.
“No comments will be made by the club until the appointment is made,” the statement read.
READ MORE: Bill Monaghan’s statement through the club on Monday, October 1