Senior coach Steve Lawrence and Beaumaris Football Club have parted ways with just two rounds to go of the Premier home and away season. Lawrence told the club in the aftermath of their 62 point loss to Collegians that he felt the different direction he wanted to take the group on was at odds with what certain parts of the club wanted.
Lawrence told vafa.com.au “It was better for both Beaumaris and I to part ways now rather than at the end of the season as I informed the club I would not be coaching there next year” he said.
Beaumaris President Ron Buller said the club was shocked that it happened so quickly and that Lawrence decided to finish early, but they respected Lawrence’s decision.
“It was a shock, but we have the utmost respect for Steve and what he has done with the football club this year and certainly thank him for the contribution he has made to Beaumaris” said Buller.
“Nevertheless the decision was an amicable one for both parties to separate now, rather than wait until the end of the season,” he said.
Lawrence said he was keen to coach again in the future but was looking forward to some extra time with family before making any decisions.
Buller said the club would decide officially on Thursday as to who will take on coaching duties for the Sharks’ important clash at Old Scotch on Saturday.
Beaumaris, in their second season in Premier Section started the season in excellent form and were entrenched in the four with 5 wins and 2 losses before a run of seven straight defeats in the middle of the year. The Sharks broke that run with a home win over Old Trinity two weeks ago before losing at Collegians last weekend.
The Sharks whilst in a stronger position than other relegation candidates are still not safe yet. For Beaumaris to be relegated; they would have to lose their remaining matches and both De La Salle and Old Brighton would need to win their last two games.
The departure of Lawrence is the second mid season coaching change in Premier this year after Old Xavierians changed coached after round 8. There were changes at three Premier clubs in 2013, including at Beaumaris who had long time coach Jason Mifsud step away from coaching mid season.
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