STRATFORD SACK COACH ON EVE OF FNQ FOOTBALL SEASON
STRATFORD has sensationally dumped Doug Baird as coach on the eve of the 2018 FNQ Football season, citing the desire for a “fresh start” for the Dolphins
Baird was in charge as the club swept the premiership, championship, Cup and Crad Evans titles in 2016, but the club laboured to the finals in 2017.
In a statement, Stratford president Fred Fabris said it was time for the club to move on.
“Bearing in mind that it was going to be Doug’s last season with us, and with the future of the club in mind, the decision from the club was made to cut the tenure a little early and try for a fresh start ahead of the 2018 season,” he said.
“It was an incredibly tough decision to make as Doug is a highly qualified coach and got along with everybody but ultimately the future of the club is the priority.
“The club will be forever grateful for his efforts, in particular, in 2016 when Doug helped to give the club its most successful season in over 30 years.”
Stratford had hoped to retain Baird in a technical director role, but opted to take time off from football.
It means striker Joe Rusch, who was named co-coach in the preseason, will take over the head coach duties at the Dolphins with the help of other senior players.
Several players from the premiership season have returned to Stratford for the upcoming season, including then captain Shane Raso, who is likely to lead the side again in 2018. The Dolphins will start their season against Innisfail United at Steve Corica Oval on Saturday night. Leichhardt host Marlin Coast and Mareeba play Southside Comets.
Marlin Coast and Southside will tonight contest the local final of the FFA Cup at Walker Rd, Edmonton, with the winner to take on Cairns FC to complete the Far North Queensland section.