Peter McClennan has replaced Jarrod Thorpe as senior coach at the Western Magpies.
Monday 11 October 2010
Club stalwart Peter McClennan will take charge of the Western Magpies for their return to the Pineapple Hotel Cup in 2011.
McClennan, the Magpies Reserves and Development Coach for the past three years, will replace Jarrod Thorpe, who took charge in May after Paul Grentell’s mid-season resignation.
Thorpe had originally been appointed for the remainder of 2010 and 2011, at which time the club was expected to be playing in the QAFL
But Magpies Club Development Manager Anthony McDonald confirmed today that Thorpe had stepped down from the role late last week, wanting to focus his coaching endeavours at senior level.
McDonald revealed McClennan had been initially been offered the head coaching position when Grentell resigned, but at that point declined, choosing to continue with the Reserves.
McDonald said McClennan’s outstanding communication and people management skills had earned him enormous respect among the football family at Chelmer, and had been highlighted in an extensive review club’s football department over recent time.
This had prompted the club’s Board to move quickly and offer him the job after Thorpe decided to move on.
“Peter is an excellent coach and an outstanding people person with a passion and holistic plan for the Western Magpies as a club going forward. He is exactly what this club needs to lead its recovery from two nightmare years in the QAFL,” said McDonald.
Said McClennan: “I’m extremely excited with the opportunity in working with the entire playing group, club members, supporters and the Western Magpies board in taking the club forward into the future.
“We will focus on a brand of football that will be exciting to play and watch, but also provide a strong commitment to continue to develop our player’s skills at all levels, and create a healthy football environment generally“.
The Magpies have declared all other Senior and Reserve Coaching positions and other relevant football department roles at the club open. Anyone interested in applying should contact Anthony McDonald on 04077183030 or amcdonald@aflq-new.fspdev.com
Pix courtesy Brett McDonald – BGM Images
