Having only departed the Ballarat Red Devils two months ago, 2015’s NPL2 Coach of the Year James Robinson has returned to coach the club for the upcoming season.
With circumstances surrounding his departure from the Red Devils initially left cloudy, recent reports as broken by The Corner Flag have brought to light the likely reason for his departure.
With the board structure of Ballarat over the past few months pertaining to an inability to make formal decisions on behalf of the club – as the club constitution dictates at least three members must sit in on any board meeting to officiate – the appointment of Robinson’s successor Savas Saglam was done against the club’s own constitution as only two board members convened to make the selection.
However, with the recent appointment of two new directors from the Ballarat and District Soccer Association, and the voting in of five new directors on the 21st of January, a new-look board were able to come together to resolve the coaching circumstances.
With no coach officially in place, the Red Devils hierarchy were able to appoint a new senior manager for the season, which was decided upon last night.
“The Board considered two applications, and were unanimous in their decision to appoint James,” director Michael Bardsley said via press release.
“James brings a wealth of coaching experience and local knowledge, along with an exciting vision for the future of the club. James was the 2015 NPL Coach of the Year, and is known to all for his dedication, drive and leadership.
“We believe he once again will prove to be of tremendous value to the club on and off the field, and provide direction throughout both the Junior Academy and the Senior Playing Group.
“The board also wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Savas Saglam during the past 5 weeks.”
In his first ever senior coaching role, Robinson took charge of the regional club for their inaugural season in the NPL top-flight.
Despite failing to stay up – getting relegated on the final day in dramatic circumstances, Robinson continued on in 2015, where he led the club to a fourth place finish in the NPL1 West and within touching distance of promotion.
The 33-year-old’s playing career saw him head to Australia from his native England in 2006, where he turned out for Richmond SC in the VPL.
Three stints in the A-League with the now defunct North Queensland Fury, Perth Glory and most notably the Melbourne Victory, before heading back to Victoria with spells at Oakleigh Cannons, Bulleen Lions and Dandenong Thunder.
Robinson is currently undergoing his A-Licence, with the manager having shadowed the coaching team at Melbourne City throughout the NPL off-season.
The new board is officially re-launching the Ballarat Red Devils Members Club at a players, members and supporters function at Morshead Park on Saturday. On the day, Robinson gets the chance to mark his return to the pitch, guiding his squad in a pre-season friendly against the St Albans Saints. Kick off 3pm.
Feature Image: Matt Johnson