Cobram Roar senior coach Bill Puckett stepping down after four years in charge

Puckett has been in charge since 2018, leading Cobram to a cup semi-final in his second season pre-COVID.

Roar sit second-bottom in the AWFA men's first division with just two wins to their name and the Englishman has decided it's time to hand over the reins.

"The last two years have been very testing," Puckett said.

"Last year, the senior and reserve boys had the best pre-season under my tenure with one game to show for it and that really hit them coming into this pre-season.

"Trying to keep them motivated and switched on has been difficult.

"I haven't had the reward for the amount of effort the boys have put in, luck hasn't fallen for us this year and our position on the table shows that.

"We're outside of finals but I can't fault anyone's commitment.

"I wish we had more to show for our efforts in pre-season, training and in games.

"Bar a few blow-outs, we've actually been in games.

"Recently against Myrtleford, we were 3-1 up and we lost the game.

"We were 3-1 up against Albury United in the first half and we lost the game.

"Those little strokes of luck haven't gone our way this year and it's another piece of the jigsaw to add to the mental strain of the job."

Roar president Paul Bovalina paid tribute to Puckett's contribution as coach.

"It's amazing, he's been there from the start," Bovalina said.

"To get a volunteer and a coach who's contributed as much as he has is fantastic for the club.

"The best part is he's still going to play and be around the club.

"He's married a local girl and he's got a young family so he's become part of the community quite easily."

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The club is already in talks with applicants for the role.

"We're looking for someone who is able to rally the troops and get a lot more players," Bovalina said.

"In the current conditions, with COVID, the hardest part for all clubs is trying to keep players and find new ones.

"The door's open for anyone. They could come from outside or within.

"It'll be a fresh start for the club and whatever that person can bring to the club will be a benefit to us."

Meanwhile, Taner Tekin has agreed to continue as coach of the women's side next season.

Cobram is second in Division 2, one point behind leaders Wangaratta, having won 10 games under Tekin's leadership and lost only once.

"It's nice to have Taner staying on," Bovalina said.

"He's familiar with the role, is used to the players and hopefully he can continue what he's started."

Mick Millar will coach Roar's under-17s in 2022.

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