By Tara Murray
Gisborne is on the hunt for a new coach with Clinton Young surprisingly stepping away from the role.
Young, who has coached the side for the last two years, took the team to within a goal of a Bendigo Football League grand final this year.
With Young looking at the possibility of coaching opportunities at a higher level, the Bulldogs advertised the role.
Young said when those opportunities looked like they wouldn’t come to anything, he spoke to the Gisborne about continuing on in the role.
In the end, he made the decision to not re-apply.
“The club is going through the process of advertising the role,” he said. “Understandably the club has had a lot of candidates that were keen for the role.
“They made the decision to continue to interview others, which I understand, and I made the decision that I would move on. It wasn’t an easy decision to make.
“I’ve been at the club four years and it’s a good opportunity for someone else with the club in a good position.”
Young, who lives in Gisborne, said the progress of the side the last couple of years had been really pleasing,
The Bulldogs played finals in both Young’s seasons in charge, with a young playing group coming together.
“It was a whole club effort and I’m not taking all the credit,” he said. “We’ve come a long way in a few years.
“They’re in a good spot for next year and I’m really pleased with the progress. The playing group the club has now is really exciting and well placed to improve next year.
“I wish them well.”
The former Collingwood and Hawthorn player said he was unsure where his football future lays next season.
He said he was excited to see what might happen.
“I’m open to opportunities either playing or coaching.
“I’m not sure what is around the corner, could be VFL, country football or in the VAFA.”
