Dog gone: Ben Delarue. Picture: Lucy Di Paolo
SOUTH CROYDON has changed coaches, asking Ben Delarue to step down from the role.
The Bulldogs sit in second-last position on the Eastern Football League division 1 ladder, which led club president Stephen Quon to ask Delarue to vacate the post.
Assistant coach Damien Franken has taken on the senior coaching role for the final six games of the season and is charged with making sure the club stays in division 1.
In a statement on the club’s website, Quon said the Bulldogs must focus on staying up.
‘‘As president of the South Croydon Football Club I yesterday asked senior coach Ben Delarue to step down from his position effective immediately,’’ he stated. ‘‘Ben graciously accepted this request with class and professionalism.
‘‘Ben then spoke to the playing group and thanked them for all their efforts and hard work over the past three years and wished the players and the club all the best for the rest of 2012 and beyond.
‘‘On behalf of the South Croydon Football Club committee, players, members and supporters I sincerely thank Ben, his wife Lori and the entire Delarue clan on their hard work and commitment to the club over the past three years.
‘‘Ben has certainly taught our club many things on what is required to compete in 1st division of the EFL. We wish Ben and his family all the best in their future pursuits and would like them to know that they are always welcome at the club.’’
Quon said Franken was a a former South Croydon junior and senior player and has a wealth of experience as a past player at a number of EFL clubs. He also played for Essendon reserves.
‘‘We look forward to the entire club including players, committee, members and supporters alike doing the extra work required over the next six weeks to prove we are a competitive and respected 1st division club,’’ Quon said.