COACHING CAPERS
FOOTBALL MOVEMENT
SURFERS Paradise coach Alex Morrison has recommitted to the club in a massive boost for Apollo’s 2019 Premier League hopes.
With Morrison’s men failing to deliver on pre-season expectations and the Lex Bell Oval playing surface in a state of disrepair, speculation had been rife the 2017 premiershipwinning Gold Coast Knights mentor could head for the door. However, with plans underway for Gold Coast City Council to rectify the pitch situation, Morrison (pictured) said he had no reason to look elsewhere and would stay for next season.
“I will be back, I have got a deal there for next year,” Morrison said.
“The pitch is all getting fixed and the lights are getting fixed (so that) played a huge part. Obviously I want to play on a good pitch and council has guaranteed us that. “Surfers hosted FFA Cup games two years ago so we’re not talking about a pitch they can’t fix. The clubhouse is good and the home changeroom is fantastic. It’s a really good set up.”
In another important move for the 2016 premiers, captain Bruno Rodriguez has also agreed to return next season.
“He will be staying, which is obviously fantastic. He’s a really good player,” Morrison said.
“A lot of my boys should be back.”
Apollo president Telly Karadimos said retaining Morrison was an important step in the club’s bid to improve on this year’s preliminary final exit.
“We’re very excited (to keep Morrison) and very confident we’ll be in the top two next season,” Karadimos said.
Meanwhile, Tweed United and Premier League coach Jason Buchanan have parted ways after just one season.
The Bulletin understands Buchanan, who joined the Marlins following the collapse of Gold Coast City, chose not to chase a new deal as he battles the demands of full-time business Soccer Genius.
While Tweed could yet be saved from the Premier League axe following Murwillumbah’s withdrawal, it will have no bearing on Buchanan’s future.
However, it is believed he is a chance of returning to the top-flight coaching ranks with a rival club next season.