Central Coast Mariners have sensationally sacked manager Tony Walmsley half way through the team's pre-season preparations.
The Mariners' last professional hit out was their 2-1 FFA Cup loss to Victorian NPL side Green Gully, with that result seeming to be the final straw for the Australian coach.
It follows on from a poor showing last season, as the Mariners managed only three wins over the course of their A-League campaign and finished in last place, 12 points below the Wellington Phoenix in 9th.
The Central Coast manager was confident that results would turn around, but with just two months left before the season began, the Mariners decided to part ways with Walmsley.
Walmsley was given the head coaching role in April 2015, following the sacking of Phil Moss earlier that season.
In a statement on the club's website, Walmsley was thankful for the opportunity, and believes the club can come out of this on the other side.
"It's time for me to move on to explore a number of opportunities,” Walmsley said.
"I'm happy with my contribution to the club over a number of years.
"Last year was particularly tough and I sacrificed a lot, but I'm confident the work undertaken will bear fruit.
"I believe in the group of players I've assembled for this season and the new coach will be coming into a much healthier environment than the one I inherited.”
