Ashcroft, Lappin gone in Suns AFL shake-up
Oct 13, 2017 - 6:38 AM Long-time Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft will be shown the door next season as one of several changes under new head coach Stuart Dew.Head of football development Matthew Lappin will also depart, while former assistant Shaun Hart returns to the club as his replacement.
Hart will join the experienced George Stone at the club, Stone to serve as coaching adviser, while assistant Dean Solomon has been promoted to senior assistant coach.
Despite speculation they would be moved on, assistant coaches Ashley Prescott, Andy Lovell and Matthew Primus all had their contracts extended.
In a curious arrangement, Ashcroft - who was on the panel who selected Dew - would continue in the role through the trade period while the club searched for his replacement.
"Marcus and I have been discussing this decision for some time and, to his credit, he has continued to put the club first," Suns boss Mark Evans said.
Ashcroft's departure comes after inaugural Suns player Campbell Brown's claims this week that players don't trust Ashcroft and he should be moved on.
Stone, who worked with Dew at Sydney, has been involved in six premierships in more than 30 years in the VFL and AFL.
Former Brisbane premiership star Hart has spent the past four years with Port Adelaide.
"George is a successful coach and he and Stuart have a great relationship. He will play an important role supporting Stuart and our coaches," Evans said.
"Shaun has a strong history with the club. Many who have worked with him in the past speak so highly of him and we are delighted to welcome him back to the Gold Coast."
Source: AAP
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