MURRAY United and its senior coach have parted ways after less than three months.
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The Border’s newly formed National Premier League club, which will debut next year, appointed Matt Gray with some fanfare in September.
The former Chelsea and Fulhum academy midfielder was an influential figure in Twin City’s AWFA league winning season ahead of the appointment.
Murray United FC technical director Paul Millynn will take on a caretaker role in the coming weeks.
The Border Mail understands the position won’t be re-advertised nor will it be filled by existing coaches at the NPL club.
A carefully worded statement was released at the weekend.
“After careful consideration Murray United senior coach Matt Gray reluctantly handed in his resignation on Friday evening saying it had become clear to him he was not yet ready to commit the time required to undertake the head coach role,” Murray United said.
“He also said he still had the desire to keep on playing himself and wanted to focus on this.
“The club would like to thank Matt for his contribution over the past few months in assembling a quality squad and wishes him every success.”
The Border Mail understands Gray is weighing up his options but is unlikely to play for Murray United.
Millynn yesterday described it as a minor speed bump.
“Look it was an issue and Matt has done a great job pulling together a squad that we believe will be very competitive next year,” he said.
“In some ways it is better that this has happened now rather than midway through next year.
“We believe we can find a replacement locally without affecting the jobs of those coaches who are already well into their pre-season and squad selection.”
Gray was appointed after months of speculation about the coaching job.
Several well-credentialled coaches from Melbourne had initially been high on the wish-list after the first round of interviews.
In what will be a 28-round competition, the Border’s new franchise will start its debut year against Box Hill at Diamonds on LaTrobe in a twilight game on February 21.
