Pies 'super' coach
BY JULIAN O'BRIEN
TROY "Super" Davies is set to be appointed the new
coach of the Devonport Football Club.
After a tumultuous week, sources confirmed to The Advocate at the weekend
Davies was prepared to accept the role left vacant after Errol Bourn's shock
resignation last Monday.
The news comes following confirmation Max Brown had been ruled out as a
replacement due to health reasons.
When contacted early yesterday the club initially said it hoped to make an
announcement within hours, but it is now expected the announcement regarding
Davies will be made in coming days after final details are agreed to.
"The executive of the Devonport Football Club is in discussions with a
number of high-profile individuals and expects to make a decision in the very
near future," club president Steve Daley said last night.
"It should be made within the next day or so."
After Bourn's resignation, Devonport offered the job to the other applicant
for the 2011 position in multi- premiership Ulverstone coach Brown, but Daley
confirmed Brown was not in a position to take on the role after being
hospitalised with heart problems
"Max Brown, regretfully, after consulting with his doctor, has had to
decline the offer to coach the Devonport Football Club - purely on health
grounds alone,"Daley said.
"He was very keen to coach because he believes the club has enormous
potential. He is extremely disappointed he was unable to lead the side."
However, it is believed Davies - a passionate supporter of local football -
has agreed to fill the void after recently stepping down from the Ulverstone
coaching job to spend more time with his family.
While Davies was unable to comment yesterday, his appointment would stabilise
the Magpies, who are on the back foot heading into season 2011 despite playing
off in this year's grand final against Clarence.
"I can't comment at the moment," Davies said yesterday.
"All I will say is we've had some discussions and until I get through
that I can't comment."
With the rumour mill in full swing, Daley also last night moved to dismiss
reports in other media suggesting club champion Gerard Ennis and decorated
country playing coach Nigel Coulson were in the running for the Devonport job.
"They have not been interviewed by the Devonport Football Club, nor
have they expressed an interest," he said.