Berwick City captain Frank Costa organised his team against Fitzroy on Saturday after the shock resignation of coach Tony Saunders late last week.
By Glen Atwell
BERWICK City coach Tony Saunders has resigned, and the club has yet to find his replacement just days before the highly anticipated local derby against Endeavour United at Jack Thomas Reserve on Saturday.
Saunders did not coach the State League Three team when it demolished bottom-side Fitzroy 3-0 at White Eagles Stadium on the weekend.
Club president Perry Mur said candidates were being interviewed this week, and Berwick City expected to appoint a new coach before the weekend’s match.
“There was a disruption between the players. As a result Stuart Mackie left the club and Tony Saunders has since resigned. The committee thought the issue had been resolved, but Tony felt he had to go,” Mr Mur said.
Saunders was reluctant to comment, but did say, “Enough was enough,” when asked about his sudden resignation.
Saunders’ coaching staff, Jolly Maggs and Ray King, have also left the club.
Mur said senior captain Frank Costa and goal-keeper Daniel Stuchbury organised the playing group against Fitzroy. “It’s not an ideal situation, but we’ll have a new coach by Saturday to play Endeavour Hills,” he said.
“Some of the younger kids in the playing group have only ever played under Tony, so they are a bit wary of what’s going on.”
Berwick City hosts Endeavour United at Jack Thomas Reserve on Saturday, with the seniors kicking off at 3pm.
@BT Sub Sport News:
Doveton v Nunawading
DOVETON survived a second half charge against Nunawading to record a 3-2 victory in their Football Federation Victoria State League Three match at Mahoneys Road Reserve on Saturday.
Leon Buhic was the star of the show yet again, blasting two goals for Doveton.
Glen Bristow scored the team’s other goal.
Doveton led the match 1-0 at half-time, but Nunawading surged back when Julian Ivanov scored to square the ledger.
Anthony Batinic added Nunawading’s second goal, but the home side fell one short when the final whistle blew. The win has Doveton on the top of the ladder, equal on points with the undefeated Mooroolbark.
Doveton returns to Waratah Reserve on Saturday to host Fitzroy City.
@BT Sub Sport News:
Endeavour v Mooroolbark
ENDEAVOUR United’s 0-1 loss to the undefeated Mooroolbark at Reema Reserve on Saturday has squared the side’s season ledger 2-2.
A first half goal to Mooroolbark striker Brian Roper was enough to secure the three points for the away side.
The loss has left United stranded in seventh place on the State League Three ladder.
Endeavour travel to Berwick on Saturday.
