Words: Matt Dorman & Michael Flynn

Western Pride say Karl Dodd’s departure as Head Coach is indicative of their development and promotion ethos as part of PlayStation® 4 National Premier Leagues.

Pride today officially confirmed that Dodd was stepping down as the club's Head Coach following speculative reports from media outlets.

This was followed by confirmation from Brisbane Roar that Dodd will join the club in the role of High Performance Manager, renewing an association with the club where he played 12 matches in the 2005-2006 Hyundai A-League campaign.

Pride General Manager Pat Boyle said his club wishes Dodd all the best as he prepares for a fresh challenge.

Boyle further explained that letting Dodd pursue his coaching career in the Hyundai A-League was in keeping with Pride’s player and coach development philosophy.

“Western Pride are very happy with allowing our coach to leave because in Karl’s situation he’s not moving sideways, his career is moving forward,” Boyle said.

“That’s what the NPL is all about – grooming players and coaches to take the next step should they be lucky enough to get an opportunity.”

Dodd previously served as Strength and Conditioning Coach at Newcastle Jets following a playing stint with Moreton Bay United in the inaugural season of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland. He then returned to the competition as a player last year and won the Premiership-Championship double with Palm Beach SC.

Dodd subsequently replaced fellow ex-professional Kasey Wehrman at Pride as Head Coach for the 2015 season, leading a young side to five wins and a draw from his 13 matches in charge.

In light of his experience, Boyle outlined a plan for Dodd to remain actively involved at the club in an advisory capacity.

“Karl is excited about the region and where we are heading,” Boyle explained.

“We’re forming a small board to advise the direction of football within our region and Karl is actively going to stay on that board."

Boyle added, “At Pride it is not just about today and not just about tomorrow. We are formulating plans for five and ten years down the track.”

It is understood Pride have identified a replacement for Dodd in the Head Coach role and that an announcement would be made in coming weeks regarding the appointment.

With Pride's Senior Men's weekend fixture against Palm Beach SC reschduled to to Shark's Westfield FFA Cup commitments, Dodd took control of Pride's Youth Men for his final match at the club - the team winning 8-2 over Olympic FC Youth Men.