DEPARTED Wangaratta coach Mark Knobel has cited life balance as the reason for stepping down only two rounds into the Ovens and Murray season.
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After weeks of speculation over his future, Knobel said yesterday be believed the decision was in the best interests of himself and the club.
“Some things have happened in the past six months, in life and work and bits and pieces. I really need to put some focus back on to myself,” he said.
“The time required to coach at O and M senior level is massive.
“With new things I’m doing, I just don’t have that time any more.
“I tried to manage and push through and, in the end, I wasn’t doing a good job for the footy club or myself.
“The best decision was to stand down.
“The balance between work, family, football and those new things just wasn’t achievable.
“You can’t sacrifice things that make life important.”
Wangaratta has appointed dual premiership player Brendan Cairns as caretaker coach for tomorrow night’s clash against ladder leader Albury, with Magpie officials set to look closely at their options next week.
Dean Stone has been touted as a full-time candidate.
Despite reports of friction, starting with players at a pre-season training camp, Knobel said he held no animosity towards anyone at the club.
“I only speak on behalf of myself,” he said.
“People will speculate about this, that and the other.
“There will always be those little bits going around and, in the end, the players are doing the best job they can do, just like everyone else in the footy club.
“I don’t have any concerns or issues with anyone.
“If the players get to work and knuckle down under “Cairnsy” (Cairns) I think they can do well.”
Knobel was in his third season as coach after taking over from Magpie favourite son Judd Porter.
The Magpies finished sixth in both his seasons in charge.