OAKLEIGH AND STILLMAN PART COMPANY

Oakleigh Amateur Football Club has released senior coach Martin Stillman from his coaching contract effective immediately, with both parties parting on amicable terms the club confirmed today. 
President Barry Alexander said the club’s direction has been forced to change due to circumstances beyond their control.
“Martin joined the club at the start of 2012 with a readymade senior list, however injuries took their toll on the club,” said Alexander. 
Oakleigh were relegated from Premier B in 2012 and have started the Premier C season with five straight losses. 
“In this year’s preseaon the club lost between 1500 and 2000 senior games of experience, leaving the club decimated. Of the twelve players we lost, six finished in the top 10 of our best and fairest, one was our captain, so it was a significant blow. 
“The club has made a decision to appoint a coach who will concentrate on developing our young list.” Alexander said.  
The interim coach will be club stalwart Mick Holden who will co-coach with current assistant John Rutter. The club will continue to focus on finding a new senior coach that will be appointed as and when the right candidate has been found. 
Holden has had a wealth of football experience previously with Ormond in their 1980’s halcyon days and more recently coached Oakleigh U19s to a grand final in the mid 2000s and the reserves to a finals berth as well. 
Rutter is a former captain of the club, a two time premiership player and was a three time club best and fairest winner with the Krushers. 
The club is in a great position with the youthful talent they have; their U18 side were 2012 premiers and their U19 side are currently top of U19 South. 
“At the end of the day, Martin is a terrific guy, it’s just unfortunate the circumstances that the club found itself in, we wish him all the best for the future.” 
“We now strive to develop our younger players into becoming a sucessful senior club again,” said Alexander. 
Oakleigh’s season doesn’t get any easier in Round 6 as they face a tough road trip to Peninsula on Saturday.