“It's with much blessing and best wishes we formally announce the departure of senior head coach and key player James Coutts at the end of his contract in October,” Yates said.

“James will take up a senior playing role with former A-League club Gold Coast United in season 2018 whilst taking on a junior coaching and development role within that club.

“James has been a significant contributor to Murray United FC since our foundation in 2015 when he joined as Under 20 coach and senior player before taking over the senior coaching role part way through that season and retaining that role for the past two and a half years.

“James was also our Technical Director for most of the 2016 season and has been a senior player in each of our three years.

“James’ commitment, professionalism and vision as senior coach has led the club to its current position as a very competitive entity in National Premier Leagues football in Victoria.

“James has also been the catalyst in the creation of the club’s Bright Red program which has resulted in thousands of children across our region experiencing football over the past two years at our Bright Red academy, Bright Red school holiday programs and Bright Red sporting schools programs at many of the local primary schools.

“The values, beliefs and positive legacy James leaves behind will forever be in-grained in the clubs culture and DNA.

“He stands proud along with other key members of the club as being an integral initiator in building a club from nothing to one that is now well regarded and recognised across Victoria and Australia.

“Despite the club being only in its third year, we already attract higher level of interest in our players and coaches and we look forward to continuing to provide these opportunities for people to develop within our club.

“We sincerely thank James for his excellent work over the last three years and congratulate him on his new appointment and look forward to welcoming him back to our club when he visits the region in the future.

“The club will now turn its attention to performing a recruitment process for a new senior head coach.”