WODONGA Diamonds captain Brett Delphin has walked out on his club of 20 years in frustration at its direction, but the AWFA has stood by the Diamonds’ administration.
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Delphin did not play in Sunday’s 6-2 loss to Albury United and yesterday said he won’t play with Diamonds again this season.
The 27-year-old midfielder is unable to play for another club this year having missed the clearance deadline by several weeks.
His departure follows that of Michael Morley, another senior player and son of former president Ian Morley, who defected to St Patrick’s in May because of a conflict of personalities.
Delphin’s mother, Suzette Delphin, stepped down as president of the club earlier in the season because of a “difference of opinion” and a lack of time to dedicate to the job.
Brett Delphin said he was leaving in frustration with the club’s management, particularly the management of the senior side which is battling to remain in the top eight this year after challenging for last season’s league championship.
“The club’s moving in a backward direction,” Delphin claimed.
“From being one of the strongest clubs it is now going backwards and it will keep going backwards if people don’t change their attitudes.
“They (the Diamonds board) are trying to bring in a new regime and they’re ruling with an iron fist.
“It’s disappointing to have to walk away after spending the last 20 years or so at a club.”
Club president Kelly Cartwright said she was disappointed to see Delphin go but insisted Wodonga Diamonds were not going backwards.
“It’s sad that Brett has decided to hang up his boots but he has been a terrific player for a long time and we don’t begrudge him for his decision to leave,” Cartwright said.
“The club isn’t going backwards, we’ve got a future plan and I’ve got the backing of a terrific committee who are dedicated to the club.
“Changes to the senior side come and go but we have a terrific junior and development program with terrific coaches and that’s what is going to ensure the clubs future is strong.”
Albury-Wodonga Football Association president Craig McDonald said Wodonga Diamonds’ committee had the league’s full support.
“From our point of view the club is being managed in a suitable manner,” McDonald said.
“There is always going to be a clash of personalities at football clubs.
“Players have the right to vote with their feet if they’re not happy with coaching or management issues.
“If there was a mass exodus it would be an issue but from our point of view it hasn’t come to that.”
