RINGWOOD put a week of turmoil behind it with a 35-point victory over Chirnside Park in the Eastern Football League division 3 on Saturday.
The Redbacks were shocked on Tuesday when coach Nick Tennant handed in his resignation, telling the club secretary he didn't want to coach any more.
Redbacks president Bill Toohey said he was surprised about Tennant's decision, which came after a regular meeting between the committee and coaching staff on Monday.
"It really came as a shock, to be honest," Toohey said.
"We had discussions with Nick the day prior. We hold monthly meetings with our coaches to find out where our sides are at. The meeting went well, so it did come as a shock. I haven't spoken with Nick since then. He spoke to our secretary but it's best left to Nick to explain his reasons."
Former Redback player Josh Toohey, the son of Bill and assistant coach for the senior side, has taken on the coaching role in a caretaker capacity, leading the side to its win over the Panthers.
Josh Toohey commended his players for uniting as one and lifting their intensity to beat the in-form Panthers.
"Chirnside Park had a lot of momentum about halfway through the second term but we were able to lift and push out to a seven- or eight-goal lead in the final term.
"It's been a long time since I've seen a Ringwood side do that: get a win in a bag early in the final term. It was a credit to the boys."
Josh Toohey said he was surprised to end up in the coaching chair and was expecting to hold the position for the next three to four weeks while the club searches for a coach.
"At the moment I'm happy with an interim role," he said. "If I had to fill the void for the rest of season I would be happy to do that."
Bill Toohey said the win was much needed and that the club was speaking with possible candidates to take the coaching role full time.
"It was a real morale-lifting win.
"We have spoken to a couple of people but have not yet made an appointment."