Arthur Papas has resigned from his position as manager of Oakleigh Cannons after the side’s FFA Cup Quarter-Finals defeat to Hume City on Tuesday Night.
The 35-year-old cited logistical reasons for the decision with the 2011 VPL Coach of the Year experiencing difficulties with travel given he is based in the western suburbs.
“Oakleigh have been aware for some time that it was becoming extremely difficult to get to the opposite side of Melbourne due to my work commitments, it’s been very taxing on myself but a commitment I made to the board even though initially I returned to Melbourne from India with the idea of having a longer break.”
Papas had taken over at the besieged Cannons in late April after a disastorious start to the season under Miron Bleiberg which had the club placed amongst the relegation positions with just one win on the board from eight league games.
Despite an initial revival which saw Oakleigh win five out of their opening seven games under Papas, including a 2-0 home victory over rivals South Melbourne, crucial defeats against Hume City and Pascoe Vale effectively ended the club’s finals aspirations and their league form subsequently filtered out.
Attention quickly then turned onto the Dockerty Cup where Oakleigh defeated Bendigo SC, South Springvale and Hume City away from home to secure a place in the final against South Melbourne while qualifying for the FFA Cup Round of 32 in the process.
A disappointing 3-0 defeat in the final was followed up by a nervy but nonetheless deserved penalty shootout victory over Far North Queensland Heat in the FFA Cup in front of a crowd of over 1,000 at Jack Edwards Reserve.
A memorable 1-0 away victory and arguably the club’s biggest result in its history against Metro Stars in the Round of 16 followed for the 2011 & 2012 league runners-up.
Their season officially came to an end on Tuesday night following Hume’s dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over their NPL counterparts which ended the Cannons cup charge at the Quarter-Finals stage.
Club President, Stan Papayiannneris issued the following statement:
“Oakleigh Cannons Football Club would like to thank all the coaching staff for their commitment and effort this year. Furthermore, effective immediately Arthur Papas has resigned as senior coach of OCFC. Arthur’s work commitments will no longer allow him to finish off the great work he has commenced. All the OCFC family wish Arthur all the best in his future endeavours”
This leaves Oakleigh Cannons on a hunt for their next coach in what will be their sixth Manager since 2012.
Former manager Stuart Munro – who has departed from his position as Manager of the relegated Dandenong Thunder – is rumoured to be a potential candidate for the position as is former A-League coach Phil Stubbins.