Spargo, who has overseen flags in 1995, 1996, 2009 and 2010, told Tiger players and officials on Thursday night he would not be putting his hand up for an eighth term.

Tight-lipped Albury president Gavan Schultz confirmed Spargo’s decision yesterday and said the club would meet next week to discuss its options.

“Paul informed the club on Thursday and alerted the players that he wouldn’t be coaching in 2012,” Schultz said yesterday.

“Those people who matter know the reasons why.

“We are really looking forward to the challenge on Saturday and the second half of the season.”

Schultz refused to elaborate further, saying the Tigers wanted to focus solely on today’s top-of-the-table clash with Lavington at Albury Sportsground.

Only Wangaratta Rovers pair Neville Hogan and Laurie Burt and Wangaratta legend Mac Holten match Spargo’s record of four premierships with the former North Melbourne player to stand alone if ladder leader Albury tastes success again this season.

Tiger midfielders Daniel Maher, Shaun Daly and Chris Hyde have been touted as possible replacements.

Spargo coached Albury to successive flags in 1995-96, in his first stint in charge, before returning for a season in 2002 when his team bowed out of the premiership race in the preliminary final.

He then spent two years with Richmond as an assistant-coach under Danny Frawley.

The Albury Team of the Century coach returned to the Tigers in 2009 and has only lost two of 49 matches since being back at the helm.