Keilor Park premiership coach Paul Guicas says standing down as the club’s senior coach is one of the hardest decisions of his life.
The Essendon District Football League division 1 club announced on Friday that Guicas had decided to step away from the role.
In a post on the club’s social media, Guicas thanked everyone at the club for the past four years.
“The decision to step down as senior coach has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my entire life, but it was super important that I did,” he said.
“I love the club, the people who work tirelessly each and every day in order to keep this club going, and most of all each and every player that has put on the orange and green jumper with pride.
“What a journey we have had, rejuvenating the whole football program, sticking together through COVID, and reaching the ultimate goal of a senior premiership.
“We may fight above our weight, but we have proven to the entire EDFL community that having a great culture, working hard and truly caring for one another creates success.”
Guicas was appointed senior coach for 2020 with the season later cancelled.
In 2021, the club finished with four wins, their first wins since being in recess for the 2018 season due to a lack of players.
It was the stuff dreams were made of in 2022, with the club rising up the ladder to finish a fairy tale season with senior and reserves premierships.
The club managed to win enough games in 2023 to stay in division 1 for next year, defying many people’s expectations.
There was plenty of love for Guicas in comments on the Devils post with many highlighting how he put the club back on the map and
The club has already started advertising for a new coach.
“The senior club is in a strong position with 60 senior players already attended pre-season training and a young developing list with a number of new recruits already training with the club,” the post said.
The club is seeking someone to be part of the club’s recruiting, work with the senior and reserves coaching group, develop a game plan and develop senior players and continue to grow the current club culture.
Applications close December 18.
