AFTER being informed the Willaston A-grade coaching position would be advertised for the 2021 season, coach Shaun Baker resigned effective immediately, saying he felt “disrespected and lied to”.
“Obviously it was heartbreaking,” Baker said.
“I thought there was a plan in place, but (last) Monday night that plan got changed.
“It’s disappointing to spend 25 years at that football club and be disrespected the way I’ve been disrespected – it’s going to take some time to get over.”
Willaston Football Club president Aldo Pasin said he was also disappointed to see the way things played out, but insists Baker would have been given an opportunity to win the job in 2021.
“As a club we’d like to thank Shaun for all his hard efforts over the past two years as our senior coach – he has coached us through some tough times and he’s one of the greatest footballers our club has ever seen,” he said.
“As a committee and coaching panel, we decided for the best interest of the Willaston Football Club the position in 2021 will be advertised. We want to explore all options, whether they be a playing-coach, or stand-alone coach – we just want to explore everything.
“(The outcome) is definitely disappointing, but I can understand from his point of view. He loves the club, and he felt that he was the right man to lead it forward.
“We absolutely will still welcome Shaun and his family to the club with open arms – this wasn’t how we hoped it would go and he is a Donnybrook through-and-through.”
Going forward, Baker, who won the 2009 league-medal as a player for the Donnybrooks, said his family, including his daughter who plays netball at the club, will no longer remain affiliated with Willaston in any way.
The Donnybrooks’ senior A-grade coaching role will be assumed for the remainder of the season by captain Tyson Irlam in a player-coach role, supported by leadership group, and the A-grade’s two assistant coaches.