WANGARATTA coach Mark Knobel has stepped down for an indefinite period following the Magpies’ disastrous start to the Ovens and Murray season.
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Premiership player Brendan Cairns will fill the role of caretaker coach, starting on Saturday night against reigning premier Albury at the Norm Minns Oval.
Magpies president Col McClounan last night confirmed the early-season change of coach following the latest in a series of meetings held by the club’s hierarchy in recent weeks.
“It’s been a difficult period for all concerned,” he said.
“We are working very closely with Mark and his family through this time.
“The club has been, and will continue to be, supportive of them.”
Cairns played in Wangaratta’s back-to-back premiership teams under Jason Lappin in 2007-08 in a career spanning more than 150 senior games for the club.
Dean Stone has been touted as a permanent senior coach replacement if, as expected, Knobel doesn’t resume in the role.
The Magpies’ hierarchy met players about the coaching situation last night.
Earlier, Knobel’s coaching predecessor Judd Porter took charge of the regular Tuesday night training session.
Knobel was re-appointed as Wangaratta coach for a third term late last season.
But speculation of a disconnect between him and sections of the Magpies’ playing list started to surface after a pre-season training camp about two months ago.
Knobel’s frustrations with the Magpies’ performances spilled over after the club’s dismal second-half showing against North Albury at Bunton Park on Saturday.
In a post-match interview, Knobel said some of his players had not reached the level of fitness required to be successful at Ovens and Murray senior level.
Wangaratta was also beaten by 38 points by Wodonga Raiders in round 1.
The Magpies started to suffer a player drain on the eve of the season.
Youngster Louis Vescio was cleared to Melbourne club Avondale Heights late last week, while Michael Bordignon has been denied two clearances to another city team, Doutta Stars.
McClounan said the club had not put a timeframe on how long Cairns would coach the club.
“He is a terrific leader and very well respected,” he said.
