Coach quits Seagulls

– Brad Kingsbury
AFTER two years, coach Cristian O’Brien will step down from Tooradin’s top job at the end of 2009.
The Seagulls join Casey Cardinia League rival Beaconsfield in the search for a new coach for 2010 and there is almost certain to be more clubs on the market for coaches before the season ends.
O’Brien informed the Seagulls committee of his decision last week, citing personal reasons, but agreed to see the rest of the season out.
Tooradin president Chris Denereaz praised the former Geelong player and said his effort to develop the club had been enormous, given the problems he inherited last year.
“Cristian has been honest with us from day one and he is a top-quality coach and person,” said Denereaz.
“We would love to keep him, but we accept his decision. He has offered to assist us in any way he can as we move forward.”
Denereaz said that the club was in no rush to appoint a successor and would go through the process to make sure they got the right person.