Outgoing Wangaratta Rovers coach Sam Carpenter is confident the Hawks can rebound quickly from potentially the worst season in their history.
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Carpenter, who will step down at the end of the season, plans to remain at W.J. Findlay Oval as a player.
Hawk stalwart Ross Hill will stay on at the helm with club officials to explore the option of appointing a playing co-coach.
“I’ve never seen myself as a career coach and thought it was the right time to take a step aside,” Carpenter said.
“I’ll be able to focus on my own game a little bit more in the twilight of my career.
“I thought by giving them the heads-up early it would put the club in a strong position in regards to recruitment.
“I honestly believe that with our young list if the club can snag a few recruits we can turn it around really quickly.
“We need to retain everyone and then recruit strongly.”
Carpenter has coached the Hawks for the past three years and was the only Wangaratta Rovers’ player over 30 against Myrtleford on Saturday.
Winless Wangaratta Rovers have been working on player retention and recruiting for several months with football operations manager Barrie Sullivan praising the timing of Carpenter’s decision.
“We’re really grateful Sam has given us time to explore our options,” Sullivan said.
“The club is going through a planning phase at the moment.
“I’d like to thank Sam for his service and we’re really happy he will be staying on.”
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