Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Sunshine Coast FC

Sunshine Coast FC Head Coach Paul Arnison has resigned from the club with the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues season just a week away.

Fire Chairman Noel Woodall confirmed he accepted Arnison’ resignation on Friday afternoon after concerns were raised by parents of Fire juniors regarding a perceived conflict of interest between Arnison’s position at the club - which included coaching the Under 14 Boys - and his sideline private coaching interests.

Woodall said that Fire has long maintained a position of not permitting its coaches to work at private academies and explained the aim of the policy is to ensure the promotion of talent at all age levels at the club is free from any perceptions of favouritism.

“There was a bit of parent angst over the fact they thought their child might be potentially disadvantaged if they didn’t put them into that private academy,” Woodall explained.

“We don’t necessary believe that Paul was doing that but that was the perception that was raised by the parents with the club.”

He added, “Our parents have a right to see that our processes are transparent and fair. I told (Paul) that he must cease immediately, and he has chosen instead to resign.”

Arnison joined Fire as a player and junior coach in 2013 following a professional career in his native England where he represented Newcastle United and Hartlepool United.

He was appointed to the senior Head Coach role in 2015 – a position that was initially full-time but was changed to part-time when Arnison was reappointment for the 2016 season.

Fire Technical Director Melvyn Wilkes and Goalkeeping Coach Ashley Kingdon will take charge of the squad in the interim while a replacement is sought.

“We will look to promote from within initially but if we don’t think we have the right candidate then we have candidates that we considered prior to reappointing Paul that may still be available and welcome the opportunity,” Woodall said.

“We have no concerns about finding someone because it’s a role that a lot of people want but we want to make sure we have the right person for the role and we will not be forced into a rash decision.”

Woodall said he intends to address the playing group personally on Monday to explain the circumstances surrounding Arnison’s resignation.

He added he anticipates no major squad upheavals, but that he will permit players to leave the club if they express a desire to move on.

“It’s ultimately up to the players. If they think there is some reason that they are not happy then we will not seek to hold them.”

“But I hope they can see the reasons that we took the approach that we took and that we have to look at the bigger picture.”

“We hope that the squad that we have put together will be out there trying to play football and focused on winning and doing the best for themselves next weekend,” Woodall concluded.

Fire commence their PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues season on Saturday away to Western Pride.