North Geelong Warriors FC confirms the departure of Head Coach James Coutts at the end of the 2019 season.
Coutts leaves with the Club’s blessing to return home to his partner and family on the Gold Coast after a successful second season with the Warriors where he secured the Club’s NPL2 status whilst continuing to be in the hunt for promotion until the final rounds.
North Geelong Warriors President John Didulica paid tribute to Coutts contribution:
“James came to the Club in difficult circumstances last season and was able to, firstly, steady the ship before building a young group of players into a genuinely competitive and exciting team”.
“We would love James to have stayed to build on the tactical and cultural foundation he has helped create at the Warriors, but we respect his commitment to his family whilst thanking him for his contribution to building an exciting future for the Warriors.”
“With NPL safety secured, a generation of talented young players waiting to come through, an excellent group of established players and an incredible support team in place, the Warriors’ future is exciting and the new coach will be stepping into a club on the up.”
Outgoing coach Coutts paid tribute to the club and the players on his departure:
“Leaving North is certainly one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in football and life, due to family reasons I will be leaving the club at the end of the season.”
“I would just like to say how grateful and proud I am to of been given the opportunity to coach and play for this amazing club.”
“I would like to thank the committee and especially Josip Zilic and Vlado Dzajkic for believing in me at the beginning and bringing me into the club when it was in a difficult situation. Now under the leadership of JD and Josip Skoko I know the club are only going to go from strength to strength and I thank them both for their continued support.”
“The supporters who are the best in Victoria and have supported us through the highs and lows and I will never forget certain moments and memories we’ve shared, I will certainly miss the noise you all create at Elcho.”
“My backroom staff who have worked so hard and continue to work hard for each other and the club, I love working with you guys.”
“Lastly the players, you guys have an unbelievable desire to improve and be the best you can be. I’m so proud of all of you and the environment we’ve all created and I know you guys are at the start of something very special. I will miss you all and thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this great club!”
During his two-season tenure, Coutts recorded 22 wins and 6 draws from 38 matches whilst integrating a number of emerging players into the Warriors first team squad.
Lead by football department head Josip Skoko, the Warriors will immediately start the search for Coutts’ replacement.
