The Englishman signed on as the coach of North Geelong Warriors in the NPL 2 west league.

Coutts will also strap on the boots for his new club, in a similar role to what he held at Murray, as well as heading North Geelong’s community program.

His desire to coach again at senior level was the major factor for the mid-season switch.

“I have my own ambitions to be a professional coach and feel this move was too good an opportunity to turn down and will help me on that journey,” Coutts said.

Murray was defeated by North Geelong 2-0 last weekend, and, with the sides being in different leagues, they won’t meet again until next season.

Coutts takes the reins with North Geelong in fourth sport on the NPL west ladder on 22 points after seven wins, one draw and six losses.