Former captain Andrew Taylor has signalled his disappointment at the lack of transparency delivered by the Whittlesea Ranges hierarchy as he departed the club on Tuesday night.
The defender revealed the conversations that went on in the lead-up to the decision, and was left frustrated at the inconsistencies in messages from the Whittlesea coaching staff, having originally been told he was a required player for the rest of the season.
“It all started about three-four weeks ago. Coach Vinko [Buljubasic] assured everyone that he wanted to stick with the players he’s got and go for promotion with the squad that we had from the start of the year,” Taylor said.
“Another couple of weeks went by and I went to have a chat with him, and they assured me that they wanted me there until the end of the season and they saw me as part of their future plans. On Tuesday, I was informed that I was no longer required at the club.”
The 23-year-old had been a valuable first team member since making the switch from Sunshine George Cross in 2014, brought over by current coach Buljubasic.
While Taylor revealed he has a very good relationship with his mentor, he was left bitterly disappointed with the way he conducted himself in the weeks leading up to his release.
“I understand that it’s part of football, players come and go. If clubs are looking to strengthen, then players are going to have to be moved on,” he said.
“If Vinko see’s me as that player that has to move on, then I have absolutely no problems with that. It’s just the fact that as little as two weeks ago they told me they saw me as a required player, then to go and get rid of me like I hadn’t earned any respect to be told straight up, that was the most disappointing thing.
“The club hasn’t show much loyalty, which is disappointing and they seem to be getting rid of the players who have built the culture, and got the club where they are now. It’s disappointing that they’ve done that to players who have earned respect at the club.”
The former Port Melbourne Sharks man is joined by pre-season signing Liam Newman as the two to depart the club, with the injured Stefan Baricevic taken off the player points roster due to his long-term injury concerns.
Despite the acrimonious split, Taylor was full of positives for his former teammates and coach, despite the circumstances of his release, which leaves just two remaining NPL Victoria foundation players at the club in Matthew Iuliano and Adem Mustedanagic.
“I came across from Sunshine George Cross [in 2014] and Vinko up until the last month has been really good to me.
“We’ve always gotten along well and we’ve helped each other out. I’ve helped bring players to the club, and keep players at the club. We’ve always had a good relationship which adds to the disappointment as well, that he couldn’t be honest with me.
“I only have good things to say about Vinko, it’s just been a bit unfortunate that it’s turned out this way and that’s how it’s ended between us two.
“I’d like to thank the playing group for giving me the experience I had and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season. It’s something that I’ll cherish forever playing with that group.”
Photo: Mark Avellino