Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Albert Perez/Football Queensland

PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 Premiership winning coach Kevin A’herne-Evans has resigned from his position at Brisbane Strikers, the club has confirmed.

A’herne-Evans, who has guided the Strikers top team for the past two seasons, cited his desire to spend more time with his family.

The announcement comes after Strikers concluded their 2016 season on the weekend with 2-1 defeat to traditional foes Sydney United 58 in the PlayStation 4 NPL Finals Series Semi-Final in Sydney.

A’herne-Evans reflected fondly on his time with Strikers, with 2016 marking the club's most successful year since joining PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland in 2013 - including their maiden Premiership title in the realigned national second tier.

“Bringing silverware back to Perry Park, promoting players from our junior teams to senior teams and progressing players to Hyundai A-League clubs and, of course, the rewarding FFA Cup adventures we have had over the past two years, has provided me with one of the most satisfying experiences of my career,” A’herne-Evans said.

“This decision has been an extremely difficult decision to come to terms with; however my family are at the stage where I would like more time with them.”

However, the former Welsh youth international, who coached Sunshine Coast FC in the first two seasons of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland, said he wasn’t bowing out of the game entirely.

“I will continue to coach at a local level but one day, if circumstances allow, relish any opportunity to return to our great club. I will always remember my time at Brisbane Strikers FC with great fondness.”

Strikers Chairman Bruce Atterton-Evans, acknowledged A’herne-Evans’ contributions to the club over the past two seasons.

“Kevin has shown great commitment and done an outstanding job in understanding the club’s mission and objectives, applying his tactical knowledge, experience and personality to bring out the very best in our players and coaching staff,” Atterton-Evans said.

“It is a demanding role with many ups and downs but Kevin showed clear leadership, direction, vision and passion in working with the players, staff and club management in achieving the successes of the past two years.”

“We regret that he is leaving but understand his reasons and wish him and his family all the very best for the future,” he concluded.

Strikers sources also dismissed suggestion that club favourite Stuart McLaren is in the running to replace A’herne-Evans following his recent departure from Scottish fourth-tier club Stirling Albion.