After four years at the Hampton Rovers Football Club, Owen Lalor has decided to stand down as senior coach to pursue new opportunities.
Owen will be incredibly missed at the Rovers, after becoming such a popular figure around the club over the past four seasons. He leaves the club in a much healthier position than when he arrived and will leave a lasting legacy.
Following the conclusion of the home and away season, Owen spent two weeks thinking about the future and informed President Steve Anderson of his decision last Friday.
Upon addressing the playing group on Monday, Owen explained that he had been coaching suburban football for the past 13 years and had experienced some of his best memories coaching at the Rovers, but had decided to explore potential coaching roles at a higher level and in a different system for his own development as a coach.
“It has been an extremely difficult decision as I have grown so attached to Hampton Rovers and the wonderful people that make this great club what it is today” Owen said in his message to the players.
Owen joined the Hampton Rovers in 2013, alongside first-year senior coach Guy Martyn and played a hands-on role as assistant coach. He was an influential figure in the back-to-back Premierships won by the club.
Stepping up as head senior coach this year, while relegation may make the season look as if it was a failure, this was far from the case. Down on players with senior experience, he got the very most out of an extremely young Rovers outfit – winning four matches, competitive in all but a few games, introducing countless players to senior football, and above all else, creating a great culture and environment at the club.
While the club is naturally disappointed to see Owen depart, we thank him for everything he’s done and wish him all the very best in the future, knowing he’ll succeed in whatever he takes on, and of course he’s always welcome back at the Boss any time.
Owen will say his farewell at the upcoming Senior Presentation Night on Thursday 29th September at True South in Black Rock. Click here for details >
The club has started the hunt for a new senior coach and the position is now being advertised. Applicants are invited to apply for the role by emailing steve.anderson@hamptonrovers.com.au
Click here for further details >
