Stabler To Stand Down

By Dave Picken - February 24 2003
Stabler To Stand Down
Stabs
John Stabler is to stand down as coach at the end of the season - but will still be involved with the club and says he's not hanging up his boots just yet! Stabs told the Committee of his decision last November and efforts are underway to find a replacement.

Former coach Dave Stubbs is advising on apossible replacement and Stabs himself is involved in that process.

West Chairman Ron Greig says: "John approached me some weeks ago to say that he felt he had done his bit and that he had his career in the police force to think about.

"On paper he may not have been the most successful coach, at least in terms of results, but there is no doubt that he has kept this club alive. When he took over, when we dropped into the First Division, we had no players and no ground to call our own.

"Through his sheer personality and hard work he got a squad together which has seen us through three very difficult years when we could easily have folded.

"He has deserved more luck but he can take pride in getting a squad together in the first place and in having a bunch of players who are tremendously spirited and loyal."

West deputy Chairman Stuart Murray is leading the search for a replacement and says: "We are looking for a first team coach for next season and at the same time we are looking at the whole coaching set up.

"We are building for a future at Brinkburn. We are already committed to fielding a development side next season which will be called West Stags and which will provide the missing link between the Under 18's and the First XV."