'For our proud club to climb off the canvas, there needed to be a change'
- Tweed Heads coach Aaron Zimmerle
Romano Group Tweed Heads Seagulls Intrust Super Cup coach Aaron Zimmerle had decided to step down from the position at the end of 2017 after five seasons in the role.
Zimmerle has elected to announce his decision before the end of the current season to allow the club adequate time to source a replacement and begin the recruitment process for next season.
The Palm Beach Currumbin school teacher, who has filled the role in a part-time capacity against most clubs at Intrust Super Cup level who have full-time coaches, is a former Seagulls player, the Australian Universities coach and had two seasons as Queensland Residents coach in 2015-16. He has also coached the Canadian team in the past two years.
‘Zimmo’ took the Gulls to the finals in fourth place in his second season at the helm in 2014.
Accountable
“I have always said to my players that feedback and selection are not meant to be personal, it's about performance. So, when I look at some of our big losses this year and our position on the table (last, with four wins from 17 matches), it's my job as the coach to be accountable for that,” Zimmerle said.
“I am disappointed in our, and more importantly my own, performance.
“My decision to step down at the end of the season saddens me. I have been at the club for nine years as a player and a coach and have so many cherished memories of the great people here. Tweed has been a very large part of mine and my young family’s life.
“But, for our proud club to climb off the canvas, there needed to be a change.
“By making my decision now it will allow the club plenty of time to find the best person for the job and to recruit accordingly. The goal now is to win as many games as we can before the end of the season so that the boys can carry that momentum into 2018.
Strange season
Last-placed Tweed has managed only four wins so far this season from 17 matches - but two of those have been against the PNG Hunters and the Redcliffle Dolphins, ranked first and second on the ladder with 13 and 12 wins respectively.
And the Hunters victory was in PNG.
Read: Upset of year as Gulls down PNG
Watch: Highlights - Hunters v Tweed Heads
Read: Inspired Tweed slam brakes on Phins
Watch: Highlights - Tweed v Dolphins
Honour and privilege
“I would like to publicly thank my chairman Rex Paton for giving me the opportunity five years ago to become the Queensland (Intrust Super) Cup coach of Tweed Seagulls; it has been an honour and a privilege to coach this great club and I appreciate all your support.
“To my staff and players, ultimately you are what I will miss the most and I thank you for the good times and digging in during the tough times.
“Club, culture and mates is why we all love this great game of ours.”
Undying efforts
Seagulls CEO Scott Clark paid tribute to Zimmerle’s passion and undying efforts for the club.
“His care for players and the club is extraordinary and our position on ladder is no reflection on Zimmo's work ethic and ability as a coach,” Clark said.
“His decision early to give the club time to plan for the future is also a reflection of his character; it would have been hard for him to step away.
“Although the finals are out of reach this season, I hope the team can show in the remaining six games the form they have displayed against some of the leading sides and send Zimmo out a winner.”
Heavy heart
Tweed Heads chairman Rex Paton added: “It has been great to watch ‘Zimmo’ grow as a coach over the past five years. Since day one he has been nothing but professional in his approach to the club and the game.
“It is with a heavy heart that he has made this decision but Zimmo has done himself, family, friends and Seagulls Football Club an outstanding service as head coach.
“I’m sure I speak for everyone involved with Tweed Heads Seagulls that we wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
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