By LIAM TWOMEY
AFTER losing its first four matches of the Western Region Football League season, North Footscray made the decision to part ways with high-profile coach John Barnes last week.
The Devils sat on the bottom of the WRFL ladder with a percentage of just 16.40 after a month of huge defeats.
In a statement on the club’s website, North Footscray president Ashleigh Lewis said the decision was a mutual agreement between both parties.
“At the beginning of the season the committee locked in set dates throughout the year where it would review the club’s entire operations from onfield through to canteen management,” he said.
“One of the set agenda items involved the coaching staff.
“The first of the reviews occurred after the completion of round three, whereby the committee addressed concerns with the senior coach regarding certain expectations not being met.
“After a frank and open discussion, it was evident that the club’s expectations of the senior coach differed to that of what the senior coach perceived the role to be.
“We wish John all the best both personally and professionally in his future endeavours.”
Barnes was signed to a three-year deal by the Devils in October last year after previously coaching East Keilor and Doutta Stars in the Essendon District Football League.
He has also held ruck coaching roles at the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood in the AFL.
North Footscray will begin the hunt for a new coach immediately with the club likely to be relegated to the WRFL’s Division Two competition next season.
“The club will immediately begin the recruitment process of an appropriate, dedicated coach who wants to develop the club’s senior football section to the next level.
“It needs to be said that the North Footscray Football Club understands where it is at with its development, in particular the senior football section and the club requires a full commitment from all involved to assist in achieving greater results for seasons 2013 and beyond.
“All decisions to date are focused on building the club to be a more professional and successful organisation.”
Barnes was unavailable for comment last week.
Ross Headley will take over as interim coach.
The news didn’t get much better for North Footscray on the weekend, with the Devils handed a thrashing by Spotswood to the tune of 325 points.
