After nine years at the helm, premiership winning Coach, Chris Bishop, has stood down as senior coach of Terrigal Avoca AFL club.
Bishop cited increasing personal commitments as well as the opportunity to take up other coaching opportunities as the reason for his decision.
“Time has become a real issue, with a new baby and new job, as well as still running my business and coaching commitments with the Swans Academy,’ Bishop said.
“In the end, I realised that I could not put in the 20 or more hours a week required to coach a Black Diamond Cup side” he said.
“I have also been offered an opportunity to be involved with the Sydney Swans Reserve Grade side, as well as other Talent Programs which I would not be able to take advantage off if I was a senior coach.
“It is something I have been talking to the club about for some time and I am appreciative of their support of my decision.”
Bishop will leave a legacy with the Panthers, having coached the club to three premierships, five Grand Finals and eight finals appearances in his nine seasons in charge.
Terrigal Avoca Secretary, Ryan Weber, said that Bishop has made a significant contribution to the club.
“It is fair to say that the club was struggling when ‘Bish’ joined, however he and Chris Aitken (President) set about changing the club and built it into the strength it is today,” Weber said.
The 33 year will not be lost to the club however, as he has agreed to take on the lesser role of Director of Coaching, which will see him mentor coaches from Auskick through to seniors.
“I will not be walking away from the club as I love the club, and have invested a significant amount of time into it.
“This decision just means that I won’t have to be at every training session or for the whole of a Matchday,” Bishop said.
“I also want to continue playing for as long as I can.”
Bishop will continue in his role as BDAFL Representative Coach.
Terrigal Avoca expect to be in a position to name a new coach in a week.
Media release,
Feb 24, 2017
Ryan Weber, Terrigal Avoca AFL Club