COACH BLINDSIDED
Club gave no warning before axe, says Jones
FORMER Ocean Grove coach Jordan Jones says he was blindsided by the Grubbers’ decision to sack him just 12 rounds into his first season in charge.
Jones told the Geelong Advertiser yesterday he was just about to start training on Tuesday night when he was called into a meeting. It was there he was told he was no longer required as coach and would be replaced by caretaker David King.
A disappointed Jones labelled the Grubbers’ communication as “terrible”, saying he felt let down that the club was not prepared to stick with him as he tried to change its culture.
“I wasn’t expecting it at all to be honest,” Jones said.
“Once I got to training … I started the warm-up with the boys (and got asked to come up to a meeting). It (getting sacked) crossed my mind but I didn’t think it was going to happen.
“They pretty much told me that it is what it is. I didn’t necessarily get an opportunity to plead my case.
“I asked what were the reasons and they were vague with that. It didn’t seem like legitimate reasons.
“No one has approached me to say, ‘ Hey, let’s try and change this, things aren’t working’.”
Jones was out of contract at the end of the season, but had a trigger clause for a second year in 2020.
The Grubbers have struggled to field their best team under Jones this season, with injuries hitting hard. They have won just three games to sit eighth on the ladder.
Jones, who was recruited as a playing coach, is one of those on the sidelines after suffering a season-ending knee injury in late April.
“I knew it wasn’t going to be an overnight success,” Jones said.
“I said we were starting to make some traction and progress in the right direction.
“I work in the property investment industry and I have clients ask me all the time what the key is to a successful property investment — and it’s time in the market.
“So, Ocean Grove invested in me as coach, but they didn't give me the time in the market or the time to do something for the footy club.”
Ocean Grove released a statement on Tuesday night, announcing the move.
“The Ocean Grove Football Netball Club in conjunction with coach, Jordan Jones, have agreed not to trigger the season 2020 clause contained within his coaching contract,” the club’s statement read.
“Club representatives spoke with Jordan on Tuesday evening, where he was informed that the option of season 2020 will not be taken up by the club.
“Meetings have occurred on Tuesday evening with Jordan, the senior playing group and staff to further discuss the committee’s decision, the remainder of season 2019 as well as future plans.
“As a result, David King will act as senior coach for the remaining six games of the season.
“The club would like to acknowledge the commitment and contribution Jordan has made during his time at Ocean Grove and wish him well for the future.”
Jones believed the decision was based on results, with the Grubbers losing to Anglesea by 104 points in the wet on Saturday.
After the game, a disappointed Jones spoke in depth to the Addy of his desire to turn around the club’s culture, urging his players to show more leadership.
But Jones said he was never set any specific goals.
“I honestly don’t know what their expectations were exactly. The communication from the committee down to me was terrible,” Jones said.
Jones said he would return to running within the next month as he continued his recovery from his knee injury.
He is keen to play in 2020, with Barwon Heads and Newtown & Chilwell already both flagging their interest in his services.