Sport
Coach quits Zebras
Greg Gliddon
13May08
THE Whittlesea Zebras have been shocked by the sudden departure of senior coach Peter Ollerton after just one year in charge.
Mr Ollerton, who led the Zebras to the Grand Final last year against Preston after taking over mid-season from Michael Michalakopoulos, has had a tough first half of the year with only three wins, three draws and five losses from the 11 games.
He has decided to walk away due to a range of issues that neither he nor the club would publicly discuss at this stage.
The Zebras lost most of their Grand Final squad before the start of this season and while the club has rebounded from a horrible start to the year to post some competitive results, it has not been enough for Mr Ollerton to remain at the helm.
Mr Ollerton, who has been quoted publicly this season questioning the overall ability of the 2008 squad, said he had asked the club to look at attracting some more experienced players during the transfer window period which opened last week. As yet, the club has been unable to obtain any experienced signings.
"It's a little bit difficult to go into all the details at this stage," Mr Ollerton said. "To be fair and honest we lost an enormous amount of players at the end of last season and the club worked during the off-season to replace those players. But I still believe the club needs strengthening.
"I've decided to step away with my head held high. I've always given my best and I think I have left on very good terms."
The Zebras appointed Mr Ollerton's assistant-coach, Paul Harris, and under-21 coach David Lugli as caretaker coaches for Sunday's clash with South Melbourne at Epping Stadium.
The Zebras said Mr Ollerton's decision had been unexpected.
Football Operations manager Joseph Sala acknowledged the amount of work and pressure involved with coaching at Victorian Premier League level and paid tribute to the outgoing mentor.
"Peter has been a great asset to the Whittlesea Zebras Football Club from day one and his absence and experience will leave a great hole," he said.
"The club would like to thank Peter for his commitment and efforts over the past two seasons."
Mr Ollerton denied he had received any other offers at this stage to coach, but admitted he still had the hunger if a club was interested in his services.
Zebras president Sam Cuteri said he wished Peter every success in the future.
The club said it would announce a replacement as soon as a new coach has been confirmed.
Meanwhile, the Zebras' clash with Preston on June 1 at Epping Stadium has been brought forward and will now start at 3pm, not the advertised 5pm.
