On the eve of his 100th game as senior coach, the Port Melbourne Football Club are pleased to announce the re-signing of Gary Ayres for another two years, with a third year as an option.
The contract extension will see Ayres, the five day and five night Hawthorn premiership hero, dual Norm Smith Medallist and AFL Hall of Fame member, become the longest serving coach of the competition's most famous and successful club.
Ayres, who coached Port Melbourne to a flawless season in 2011 of 21 wins and 0 losses, said he is honoured and pleased to continue as the Borough's senior coach.
“I’m lucky to have such a group of players who are committed week in and week out, to give their all for their coach, their teammates and this famous old club” said Ayres.
“They said a stand-alone club could never win the flag and we proved them wrong. However that is now history. We are now the hunted and I will do everything possible to keep us at the top end of the table.”
The re-signing of Gary Ayres continues a remarkable rejuvenation of the Port Melbourne Football Club and its brand, which earlier in the year appointed the league's first female assistant coach in Peta Searle.
Port Melbourne Football Club President, Peter Bromley, broke the news of the successful contract negotiations to the playing group at their last training session.
“I’m pleased to say that Gary and the club have agreed on terms. The two year extension with an option for a third means that Gary will continue to lead and develop this exciting playing group.”
The announcement also saw Bromley reinforce Port Melbourne's position as a stand-alone club that continues to give players an opportunity they may not get at an affiliated club.
“At the Borough, Gary and his coaching staff call the shots. There is no AFL listed players dropping back, no one from another club giving different instructions.
If you put in the effort and consistently perform, you will keep your spot.”
The club president also mentioned there was one crucial piece missing from Port Melbourne's puzzle.
“We are still looking for a major sponsor for the remainder of this year and beyond.
Gary has signed on; the players are committed, our supporters are growing in number and loyal as ever.
It just makes perfect sense for any business wanting to associate with a successful brand, that the famous Borough of Port Melbourne is the club to get behind.”
Port Melbourne's next match is against its most fierce rival, Williamstown, on Saturday 28th July at Burbank Oval, Williamstown.
The next home game for Port Melbourne (at North Port Oval) is on Saturday 11th August against Box Hill.
Last Modified on 26/07/2012 21:03