Coach jumps ship

By Glen Atwell
PARKMORE Pirates coach Neil Collett has resigned just days before his team plays a third-round match in Division Two of the Southern Football League.
Mr Collett’s resignation is the latest in a series of blows to the battered Pirates, who are this week recovering from a 246-point flogging from Dingley.
But the battle-weary Pirates are holding their ground and have appointed an interim coach, Darren Thomson, as the club endeavours to negotiate with Mr Collett to lure him back as senior coach.
Parkmore Football Club president Paul Dowling described the club as a “nuggetty bunch”, and said players were keeping their heads held high despite Collett’s resignation.
Collett walked away from Wachter Reserve this week after a meeting with Parkmore officials failed to resolve problems between coaching staff, players and club management.
Star has learnt that Mr Collett, reserves coach Dave Willis, Mr Paul Dowling, football manager Mike Smyth and a players’ representative were present at the meeting.
Pirates fitness advisor and ex-Victorian Football League umpire Rodney Van Beek was also at the meeting, but asked to leave.
Mr Collett, who did not train Parkmore on Tuesday night, said there were certain players who didn’t get along with the coaching staff and confirmed he would not be leading the Pirates this Saturday against Hampton.
“I won’t be coaching Parkmore anymore,” he said.
“The meeting on Monday was supposed to resolve a number of issues, but in my mind that didn’t happen.
“It’s a shame and I wish the Parkmore Football Club the best of luck in the future.”
Mr Dowling said the club would play this weekend under the interim rule of Mr Thomson.
“I am very disappointed it has come to this,” he said.
Mr Dowling said the club wanted Mr Collett to continue coaching and would attempt to negotiate with him.
“As far as we’re concerned (our relationship with Collett) can be resolved,” the president said.
“The issues have just been blown out of proportion.”
Southern Football League (SFL) chief executive Phil Stevens said the league was right behind Parkmore.
“The SFL is working with Parkmore to ensure the club continues to move forward,” he said.
“They have our full support.”