Foundation Titans coach steps aside

Gold Coast Titans foundation coach John Cartwright will end his time at the club next Monday after eight years at the helm.

The writing has been on the wall for Cartwright since an internal review was announced in June this year.  The Titans have only won two home games out of ten this season and sit in thirteenth place as they stare down the barrel of another embarrassing end to a season where they were leading the competition at one stage.

Injuries, the retirement of Ashley Harrison and an ageing side have gone against Cartwright who steered the club into consecutive finals series in 2009 and 2010 before finishing last a year later.

As time went on, Cartwright couldn’t get the best out of his side and supporters at the franchise wanted his head.  Players continued to publicly support the embattled coach.

Neil Henry will take over from Cartwright and will have his first game in charge when the Titans take on Manly at Robina on August 17.  It’s likely he will be appointed the full-time coach for next year.

Michael Searle has also decided to move on from his role as Director of Football.  Searle set up the club and his departure will signal a new era for the club in administration.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Confirmation this afternoon that iSelect Gold Coast Titans founder Michael Searle and foundation head coach John Cartwright have stepped down from their positions at the club.

Searle will step down from his role as Executive Director of Football at seasons end and as a director of the board immediately.

Cartwright will coach his last game for the Titans on Monday night when the team takes on the Roosters at Allianz Stadium. He will remain in the club in a non-football role.

A full and detailed statement will be issued later this afternoon.

http://www.titans.com.au/news/2014/08/05/searle_and_cartwright_stand_down_from_the_titans.html