Numbers game key for Eade

WINS and losses were the only consideration when it came to deciding Rodney Eade’s future as coach of the Gold Coast.

And over a glass of wine at Eade’s home on Monday night, club chief executive Mark Evans told him those numbers were not in his favour.

Earlier that night, Evans presented findings from an internal review to the club’s board, which unanimously agreed to sack the head coach.

The Suns have managed six wins from 19 games this season and have never finished higher than 12th in six AFL seasons.

“It’s as simple as wins and losses,” club chairman Tony Cochrane said of the decisionmaking criteria.

Evans said Eade disagreed with the decision, but agreed that it was best he end his time as coach immediately.

Cochrane is adamant his club can thrive on the Gold Coast, but history suggests if it does it will be an anomaly.

The Suns have spent six seasons towards the bottom of the AFL ladder, while Eade’s NRL counterpart Neil Henry is also facing questions about his future at the Titans following a disappointing campaign.

Both clubs are without a major sponsor, after it was announced yesterday that Hong Kong investment and development company Aquis would cut ties with the NRL club next season. Acknowledging the task ahead of them, chairman Cochrane has faith the Suns can be a Gold Coast success story. “By hell we’re going to make this team work in our Gold Coast community because at the grassroots level it’s thriving,” Cochrane said.

Cochrane knows history is not on his side.

Gold Coast teams to have fallen on their swords include the NBL’s Gold Coast Blaze and Gold Coast Rollers, as well as rugby league’s Gold Coast Chargers, Giants and Seagulls.

A-League outfit Gold Coast United was another chucked on the scrap heap, but will be reborn as a National Premier League side next season.

The East Coast Aces were part of the sole Australian Rugby Championship season in 2007.