Dean Laidley Steps Down as Kangaroos Coach

Current North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley is set to step down from his current role. The announcement will be made at a Press Conference at 1pm today.

Current Assistant Coach Darren Crocker is set to take over in the interim.

THE Kangaroos made no attempt to stop Dean Laidley from resigning this morning. As exclusively revealed on HeraldSun.com.au this morning, Laidley decided to walk away from the club, effective immediately.

Assistant coach Darren Crocker will take over as caretaker coach for the rest of the season.

Speaking at a press conference moments ago, North Melbourne president James Brayshaw confirmed Laidley had resigned to him this morning.

“Earlier today, Dean Laidley contacted me to say he was resigning effective immediately,” Brayshaw said.

Brayshaw said he did not try to change Laidley’s mind.

“From the tone of his voice and dialogue we’d had over six months, I knew he was set in what he wanted to do,” Brayshaw said.

The club was reviewing Laidley’s position and had agreed to let him know whether he would be retained next year by Round 16. Laidley said part of the reason for his decision was a reluctance to go through the review process and not wanting it to hang over the team.

“My conversation with James was I wouldn’t entertain a contact extension,” Laidley said.

“(My contract negotiation) became protracted and ugly last time. What we’ve been able to do here it do it in a very professional manner,” Laidley said.

Laidley said he wanted to coach in footy next year.

“Whether that’s a senior position or anything else in football, I just love being a part of football club and think I have a lot to offer,” he said.

The players appeared not to have been told prior to their training session this morning.

North Melbourne’s media manager was seen approaching veterans Adam Simpson and Brent Harvey on the Arden St oval during training where they had a long discussion.

Youngster Jack Ziebell, who broke his leg on the weekend, arrived at the club just before midday.

When asked by the media about Laidley’s resignation, he said he did not know anything.

Laidley’s manager Ricky Nixon also arrived at the club around midday.

Who do you think will coach North Melbourne in 2010? Do you think Laidley has done the right thing in stepping down? Leave us with your thoughts.